An analysis is presented of axially conducting gas-controlled heat pipes leading to a predictive capability for the heat and mass transfer along the heat pipe. In addition, experimental results are presented which verify the analysis, and computational results are presented which show the relative influence of various parameters which affect the system behavior. In particular it was found that axial heat conduction is of much greater importance than axial mass diffusion in establishing the wall temperature profiles and condenser heat-transfer characteristics of gas-loaded heat pipes. However, mass diffusion and, consequently, the choice of working fluid and control gas are of considerable importance in establishing the “diffusion freezeout rate” if the potential exists for freezing of vapor which penetrates the gas-blocked portion of the condenser. It is believed that the analysis and associated computer program are useful tools for designing gas-loaded heat pipes.

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