Basic Research in Thermoacoustic Heat Transport

Abstract

This technical report details progress in basic research in thermoacoustic heat transport made during the period June 1, 1995 through May 30, 1996. Research efforts were primarily concentrated in three areas: 1) investigation of fundamental limitations to the performance of thermoacoustic devices; 2) design, construction, and demonstration of a proof-of-concept, shipboard, heat driven thermoacoustic cooler capable of cooling loads of 1 kW; 3) measurement of transient effects in thermoacoustic devices to provide data to test nonlinear, timedependent models of thermoacoustics. Accomplishments include 1) the design of a prototype toroidal prime mover; 2) preliminary measurements of the temperature evolution along a stack in a mechanically driven configuration; 3) preliminary measurements of transient effects in prime movers; 4) preliminary design of a new prime mover configuration; and 5) fabrication of a 1 kVV heat driven cooler. A publications, patents, presentations, and honors report is also included.