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Effects of pressure-drop correlations on Stirling-engine predicted performance

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5909239

Pressure-drop correlations for Stirling-engine applications were studied from three perspectives: (1) sensitivity studies of their effects on predicted engine performance, (2) presentation of an improved correlation for steady unidirectional flow through wire-screen matrices, and (3) a theoretical analysis of friction factors for oscillating laminar flow through circular tubes. The sensitivity studies of two reference engines show significant effects of regenerator pressure drop on engine performance. The improved friction factor correlation for steady unidirectional flow fits the data satisfactorily with an uncertainty of about +-10%. The derived friction factor for oscillating flow is shown to be characterized by two Reynolds numbers: steady and kinetic. When this friction factor is compared with the one for steady unidirectional flow, no significant difference is observed when the kinetic Reynolds number is small, but there is a considerable increase at high kinetic Reynolds numbers.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
5909239
Report Number(s):
CONF-830812-52; ON: DE83017279
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English