Physics Demo Number: 178

Approximate Run Time: 5 min

Stirling Cycle Heat Engine Flywheel Motor

Demo Description

A flywheel type Stirling Cycle heat engine can be powered by a propane torch.

Scientific Principles

• One shows a working model of an engine which uses the Stirling Cycle.

Equipment

• Stirling CycleFlywheel Engine

• Propane Torch

Equipment Location

• In Kit (178) on [D-4-3]

• Torch on [D-4-2]

Instructions

One lights the propane torch and heats the end of the cylinder sticking out from the cooling fins chamber.

After a modest amount of heating ( don't let the metal turn cherry red!) , twirl the flywheels a little in the direction marked by the arrows.

The flywheels should start moving under their own power and accelerate up to an impressive rpm.

Writeup created by David A. Burba

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