[intro music]
In this experiment you get to study the thermodynamics
of a Stirling engine.
The Stirling engine works by converting heat,
generated by the methylated spirits burner,
into mechanical work.
Unlike the engine in your car for instance,
the Stirling engine is a closed cycle thermodynamic
system which means that the gas that is being
compressed and then expanding is permanently
contained inside the engine, so there are
no fuel injectors or spark plugs.
The Stirling engine was invented in the 1800s,
but is still often used in settings where
engines that require substantial air intake
cannot be used, so for instance at high altitudes
where oxygen and atmospheric pressure are
low.
Stirling Engines are also used in some modern
naval submarines to provide propulsion.
In this experiment you characterise the thermodynamic
cycle of the engine using an oscilloscope,
and calculate the efficiency with which thermal
energy is converted to mechanical work.
[outro music]
