Numerical simulation of the onset characteristics in a standing wave thermoacoustic engine based on thermodynamic analysis

In this paper, a simplified physical model of standing wave thermoacoustic engines (SWTE) is developed based on thermodynamic analysis. Transient pressure drop and heat transfer data are first calculated based on linear thermoacoustic theory. The effects of stack spacing, charge pressure, and resonator length on onset temperature were investigated and compared with experimental results. The calculations agree well with the experimental results, which validates the model for calculating the onset conditions.