Effect of Al₂O₃ Microparticles on the Heat Transport Capability in an Oscillating Heat Pipe

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the microparticle effect on the heat transport capability of an oscillating heat pipe (OHP). The OHP was fabricated from copper tubing with inside diameter of 1.52 mm. The heat pipe consists of the evaporator, adiabatic section, and condenser. When heat load was added to the evaporator of OHP, the strong oscillating motion was generated. Due to the strong oscillation and circulation motions, the heat transport capability of OHP was significantly increased. The experimental results show that there exists an optimum volume ratio of microparticles added into the working fluid. The effects of filling ratio and tilted angle on the heat transport capacity were also conducted.