An analytical model for fluid flow and heat transfer in a micro-heat pipe of polygonal shape

An analytical model for fluid flow and heat transfer in a micro-heat pipe of polygonal shape is presented by utilizing a macroscopic approach. The coupled nonlinear governing equations for fluid flow, heat and mass transfer have been modified and have been solved analytically. The analytical model enables us to study the performance and the limitations of such a device and provides the analytical expressions for critical heat input, dry-out length and available capillary head for the flow of fluid. A dimensionless parameter, which plays an important role in predicting the performance of a micro-heat pipe, is obtained from the analytical model. The results predicted by the model compared with the published results in literature and good agreement has been obtained. The general and analytical nature of the simple model will have its applicability in the design of micro-heat pipes.