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Stirling Engine Physics Project Report

The Stirling Engine is a closed-cycle regenerative heat engine that converts thermal energy into mechanical work using external heat sources. The project report outlines the physics principles involved, materials required, a step-by-step construction guide, and real-world applications of the engine. It emphasizes safety precautions and concludes that the model effectively demonstrates thermodynamic cycles and energy conversion.

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11 views3 pages

Stirling Engine Physics Project Report

The Stirling Engine is a closed-cycle regenerative heat engine that converts thermal energy into mechanical work using external heat sources. The project report outlines the physics principles involved, materials required, a step-by-step construction guide, and real-world applications of the engine. It emphasizes safety precautions and concludes that the model effectively demonstrates thermodynamic cycles and energy conversion.

Uploaded by

z2mdst6krh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Physics Project Report: Stirling Engine Working Model

Project Title

Stirling Engine: A Heat-to-Mechanical Energy Converter

Concept Overview

The Stirling Engine is a closed-cycle regenerative heat engine that operates through the cyclic

compression and expansion of air (or another gas) at different temperatures, converting thermal

energy into mechanical work. This engine does not burn fuel internally; instead, it works on external

heat sources like candle flame, hot water, or sunlight.

Physics Principles Involved

- Thermodynamics - especially the First Law (Energy conservation)

- Ideal Gas Law - PV = nRT: How gas expands with temperature

- Heat Transfer - Conduction, convection, and radiation

- Cyclic Process - A working fluid undergoes a cycle of heating, expansion, cooling, and

compression

- Mechanical Work - Translating pressure change into motion

Materials Required

- Two syringes (60ml & 20ml): Displacer and power piston

- Flexible pipe (IV tube): Connects both cylinders

- Thin wire + cardboard: Connecting rods and flywheel

- Candle or spirit lamp: Heat source

- Ice pack or metal fins: Cold sink

- Adhesive + Hot glue: Assembly

- Transparent tube (optional): Visual effect

- Stand or support (wood/metal): Stability


Working Cycle (Step-by-Step)

1. Heating Phase (Expansion): The air in the hot zone (bottom of displacer cylinder) heats up.

According to PV = nRT, pressure increases. This pushes the power piston upward.

2. Cooling Phase (Compression): The displacer moves, pushing the air to the cold zone (top). The

air cools, contracts, and pressure drops. The piston is pulled back down by the flywheel's inertia.

3. Continuous Motion: This cyclic motion repeats continuously as long as heat is applied. The

flywheel helps maintain the momentum and smooth rotation.

Real-World Applications

- Quiet generators

- Solar-powered engines

- Submarines and spacecraft (low maintenance)

- Alternative energy research

Step-by-Step Construction

1. Displacer Cylinder: Use the larger syringe as the chamber. Insert a lightweight 'piston' attached to

a rod.

2. Power Cylinder: Use the smaller syringe with a free-moving piston connected to a flywheel.

3. Connect Chambers: Attach a flexible pipe between both syringes at the top.

4. Mount on Base: Fix the setup on a stable platform.

5. Add Flywheel: Connect rods to a flywheel using wire and pivots.

6. Testing: Light a candle under the displacer cylinder and observe.

Safety Precautions

- Never use fire without adult supervision.

- Keep flammable materials away.


- Ensure stable mounting.

Conclusion

The Stirling Engine model is a powerful way to demonstrate thermodynamic cycles, energy

conversion, and modern applications in renewable energy. It's safe, educational, and visually

impressive.

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