Book excerpt: This book describes the characteristics of heat pipes under steady-state and transient operating conditions. It emphasizes the physical aspects of heat pipe behavior and develops design formulas on the basis of mathematical models and empirical observation. The author take a tutorial approach, presenting information on the application of heat pipe technology, design methods, and data to heat pipe cooling and heat exchange requirements. He provides the nonspecialist with sufficient understanding of heat pipe technology to appreciate and assess its application potential, while also meeting the needs of the experienced heat pipe designer and researcher.