EPJ Web of Conferences 25, 01061 (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/20122501061

Standing-wave thermoacoustic engines

¹ Technical University of Liberec ; Studentská 2 ; 461 17, Liberec ; CZ
e-mail: novotnypck@seznam.cz
² Toptec - Institute of Plasma Physics AS CR, v.v.i. ; Skálova 89 ; 511 01, Turnov ; CZ
e-mail: vit@ipp.cas.cz
³ University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
e-mail: a53374@alunos.uminho.pt

Abstract

The aim of this study is mainly devoted to explain a thermoacoustic effect. We explore the basic principles of thermoacoustic engines and primarily we focus on a quarter-wavelength closed-open thermoacoustic engine as a prime mover, where temperature difference imposed along the stack can lead to sound generation, acoustic work. Elementary standing wave theory is discussed, as well as the connection between thermodynamics and acoustical oscillations. Influence of the characteristic pore dimension in the stack as an important parameter in the design of thermoacoustic devices is reported. Investigation through this paper will be the basic instrumental apparatus for continuing research into the experimental and numerical study of the quarter-wavelength thermoacoustic engine.