In this Major Qualifying Project (MQP), the team designed and fabricated a Stirling engine, an external combustion engine that operates due to expansion and compression of air associated with an external heat source. The team designed a dual beta-type Stirling configuration and modeled it using computer aided design software. The engine was analyzed thermodynamically and subsequently fabricated, through a sequence of design iterations to reach the final prototype assembly. The dual nature of the design reduced the need for a large flywheel to store inertial energy. A unique piston design and ring system were implemented to reduce friction in the system. The prototype was analyzed through rotation and thermal testing. Results and recommendations to improve this design are provided.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Eastaugh, Jennifer Jean
• Silk, Alex Richard
• Fahie, Justin Michael
• DiMaggio, Peter Nicholas

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042716-141306

Advisor

• Sullivan, John M.

Year

• 2016

Date created

• 2016-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright