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.

Topics
Acoustical properties, Musical instruments, Thermoacoustics, Energy conversion, Engineering thermodynamics, Sensors, Microwave sources, Polymers, Ceramics, Optical resonators
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© 2009 Acoustical Society of America.
2009
Acoustical Society of America
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