• pore network model
• porous structures
• porous evaporators
• loop heat pipes

This thesis is part of a study on porous evaporators and heat transfer mechanisms within innovative porous structures. Porous evaporators are specific devices that support evaporation process and pump or manage a working fluid inside a given system. A typical space application of porous evaporators is in Loop Heat Pipes which are used in space vehicles for heat disposal. A good knowledge of transport phenomena within a porous structure and porous structure fundamental parameters can be helpful to better understand and enhance evaporator performances. The aim of this work is to study an analytical model in order to support the design processes of high-performance porous structures and porous evaporators. The approach studied in this thesis is a Pore Network Model. Unlike a continuum approach, in a Pore Network Model the porous structure is modeled according to a lattice of nodes and bonds which represent pore bodies and their interconnections. A PNM can manage system macroscopic parameters as well as pore-scale features, such as capillary effects. A two-dimensional steady state analysis was conducted on an unsaturated pore network partially heated. The results were compared with previous works from literature. This thesis showed that a PNM approach may be an interesting tool to study heat and mass transfer phenomena in porous evaporators. However, the present model needs further improvements and more accurate verifications.