Stirlingengineforum.com

Hey all, in the same topic of stirling engines not running, I was curious if anyone has any experience with getting a finnicky thermoacoustic engine to run. Basically, I can sometimes get it going for a minute or two, but it will die out. Then, if i let it cool down for 15-20 min and come back and l...

You turned out to be totally right, Mike. I built the engine and it doesnt run. I have several theories. First is the that the piston is way too heavy. I am using a brass piston connector on a graphite piston. Thing weighs a lot. Second, my brass cylinder is not perfectly round. I am going to pivot ...

Ah what would you recommend that might be better in this application?

I tapped the graphite and it works with 10-24 threads. I am now making the connector from the piston to the crank arm. I am making the connector out of brass. What hardware does the example you sent use to connect the metal to the crank arm?

Hmm interesting. Do you know anything about PTFE bushings? i was considering using a dshaft through 2 ultra low friction PTFE bushings. They are only rated for 8 lbs and 120 RPM though. I will look into the bearings you sent! Thanks!

Thanks Vincent! I was looking at some lamina flow stirling designs and many of those use very thin shafts. Is there a benefit to picking something smaller or thinner to reduce the friction area?

Thanks for the advice! I bought a 6" graphite rod so I think I'll use the first inch or two experimenting with tapping and see how it goes. The idea of using a joint connector is a great idea! If the tapping doesnt work i'll just use a through hole and use a joint connector.

Hi All! Thank you for your advice from last post! I am now choosing bearings for my flywheel and was wondering if anyone had any advice. I am using a 2" diameter, 1" thick aluminum disk as my flywheel. I am trying to pick out bearings to put in the stand. I am going to use a dshaft which w...

Interesting! The threads in the graphite seem strong? I have never tapped graphite before and I'm worried how the threads will hold up if i tried.

Hi! new member here! I'm making a lamina flow engine (also known as a thermoacoustic stirling engine) for a university class. I am making the cylinder out of 306 brass and the piston out of .0004 grain graphite. I was wondering what the best way to connect the crank arm to the piston in the cylinder...