Introduction


      • The heat engine we will be discussing is the stirling engine.
      • All heat engines, no matter what kind, work on the same fundamental principles of physics.
        • They operate on a cycle.
        • They take in heat from a high temperature source.
        • They turn some of the heat into work.
        • Then they eject the remaining waste heat into a low temperature sink.
Heat Engine Diagram
http://ibphysicsstuff.wdfiles.com/local--files/processes/HeatEngine.jpg
  • The different methods engines use to turn heat into work is the reason why we have different types of engines and cycles.
  • The most well known engine cycles are the auto and diesel cycles and they are internal combustion engines.
  • The stirling engine cycle is not as well known and its uniqueness comes from the fact that it is an external combustion engine.
  • The stirling engine is the cycle we will be exploring so click on the links below to learn more.



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