Thermal stress distribution in a high temperature heat pipe

In this paper, the authors use temperature results from a heat pipe simulation code, to assess stress levels in the pipe's outer wall. Allowing curvature at one end gives normal and bending moment stresses that peak near this edge. While the predicted stresses are within material tolerances, the stress elevation is such that the severe heat pipe environment could work in tandem to produce localized failures. Sensitivities with respect to shell geometry and operational power are also presented.