Abstract
In order to observe startup characteristics, a vertically installed highβtemperature heat pipe fin was tested. The temperature curves during the startup process are given. It was found that the evaporator bottom temperature in the highβtemperature heat pipe fin with a constant heat input increased very quickly over time. The temperature at the evaporator top and the condenser temperature lagged behind the temperature of the evaporator bottom. The evaporator outlet temperature coincided with the condenser middle temperature. The temperature at the end of the condenser exhibited a phenomenon of temperature pulsation. If the highβtemperature heat pipe fin was placed horizontally for a certain period of time and then tested in its vertical position, the temperature pulsation phenomenon at the condenser disappeared and a good isothermal condition emerged. Further analysis showed that larger heat inputs yielded faster startups and weaker pulsation during the startup period. Β© 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 33(6): 411β416, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20022