Stirlingengineforum.com

Thanks Ian. I cut about an inch off the cylinder and gained 10 RPMs. I've switched to an alcohol lamp with a small flame to keep tests constant.

When adjusting the displacer's travel, is it better to favor the top? I figure favoring the top would keep the displacer cooler.

Is the power piston cylinder considered "dead space" and should it be kept to a minimum? This can be shortened considerably. Should I expect any improvement? http://i39.tinypic.com/33l2gsj.jpg This has a steel wool displacer and works very well. I tried loosely packed steel wool inside the...

These things are addicting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE7JTUFYAwI

So which one, will perform better, everything else being equal? My guess is the one with steel wool would run slower. I can't imagine steel wool lasting very long at higher revs, it would shake itself apart. Will floral foam work better than steel wool? I've read about it but haven't seen comparisons.

Pictures!

Ni-chrome wire wrapped around the tube once with voltage applied, turns red, heats it to breaking. Use a clothes pin to hold the wire tight, insulator where they might touch.

matador wrote:My displacer is made out of the bottoms of two soda cans. After the JB weld set up I tested for leaks by dipping it into my hot tub.

Why does the displacer need to be air tight? Steel wool isn't.

Why only a 4 mm hole? Wouldn't a "full size" hole allow less restriction?

I used Bondo (body putty) into a piece of copper pipe. Works real slick............so far.

I just built my first Stirling engine after discovering their simplicity. I chose the walking beam because it looked easier. Being a plumber for over 40 years, I've accumulated more than enough to material. I used Bondo (cheap) for the piston and ¾" copper pipe for the cyl. Pressure chamber is ...