Annual Summary of Basic Research Thermoacoustic Heat Transport: 1993

Abstract

This annual report details progress in basic research in thermoacoustic heat transport made during the period October 1, 1992 through September 30, 1993. Our major research efforts in FY 1993 were concentrated in five areas: 1) an analysis of the initial buildup of oscillations in thermoacoustic prime movers; 2) an investigation of stability curves for a thermoacoustic prime mover, 3) initial measurements of the velocity field in thermoacoustic engines using laser Doppler anemometry, 4) measurements of heat exchanger performance in a thermoacoustic prime mover, 5) a preliminary investigation of heat driven refrigerators. In addition to these areas, FY 1993 research efforts also included a collaborative experiment on traveling wave thermoacoustic effects. A brief review of the motivation behind these studies and a summary of the important results are contained in this technical report. A publications, patents, presentations, and honors report is also included.