Regenerator dynamics in the harmonic approximation II Original Research Article

We extend our previous work on the dynamics of regenerators in the harmonic approximation by including the enthalpy flow and nonideal gas behavior. The derivation is based on the energy conservation of the matrix and of the gas, the flow resistance of the matrix, and mass conservation. The model is one-dimensional. Expressions are derived for the gradients of the regenerator parameters which can be integrated directly from the boundary conditions. It is not necessary to assume an initial temperature profile. This provides a very fast and convenient tool for designing cryocoolers such as pulse-tube refrigerators.