STIRLING ENGINE
PROJECT
Solid Mechanics (Engs 31)
Design Lead
SKILLS
CNC Mill
CNC Lathe
CHALLENGE
Machinge and test a Stirling engine from scratch with the goal of creating the fastest RPM machine.
OVERVIEW
This project for my thermodynamics class was not a conventional thermodynamic class project where we designed an engine and assumed it would work. Instead, we were given the design of the Stirling Engine and tasked with the challenge of fabricating the engine from scratch using mills, lathes, and other equipment in the machine shop. What complicated things even further was the competition to see which sterling engine would have the highest RPMs.
PROCESS
Machining & Testing
This project began with creating the base for the Stirling Engine. The base was fabricated by using the mill to trim the edges of the piece to exact specifications. The screw holes were drilled and tapped using the mill. The next major piece was the heat transfer cylinder. This piece was made using the lathe. Because the piece needed to have very accurate dimensions, the challenge of fabricating it within specification was difficult.
The last major piece to fabricate was the guide bushing bearings. This piece again had very tight dimensions which poses a challenge. Also the assembly of the engine was a challenge because every piece needed to first fit properly and be in the proper orientation. Otherwise the engine may fail during operation.
IMPACT & CONCLUSION
This project's main challenge was the advanced use of the mill, lathe and other equipment in the machine shop. After this project, I have immense confidence in my ability using the lathe and mill. The knowledge I gained from using these two pieces of equipment will help me in future prototyping. Going through the entire process of fabricating parts from technical drawings to finished piece is an invaluable skill I will need throughout my time as an engineer.
