title: Helmholtz-like resonators for thermoacoustic prime movers.
abstract: In a thermoacoustic prime mover, high acoustic output power can be achieved with a large-diameter stack and with a cavity with a large volume attached at the open end of the resonator containing the stack. The combination of resonator and cavity makes the device Helmholtz-like, with special characteristics of the resonant frequencies and quality factor, Q. Analysis of its acoustic behavior based on a model of a closed bottle presents features that are useful for the development of such prime movers for energy conversion from heat to sound. In particular, the arrangement produces in the cavity a high sound level, which is determined by the Q of the system. Comparison with a half-wave resonator type of prime mover, closed at both ends, shows the advantages of the Helmholtz-like device.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0830, USA.
authors.forename: Bonnie J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Orest G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Symko
mesh_terms: D000162:Acoustics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004560:Electricity; D004735:Energy Transfer; D004738:Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009991:Oscillometry; D011312:Pressure; D013016:Sound; D014732:Vibration