Gasoline what expansion, also what pressure?

[Flantoons]

Hello,

Help me work this out please.
(this is NOT a homework question, I am trying to make a machine)

I have a metal tube filled with gasoline.

The tube inside is 1 cm sq x 10 cm in length.

If I raise the temp of the gas from 20 deg C to 40 deg C, how much gas will spill out of the tube.?

If the tube was sealed, what pressure would be exerted on the ENDS of the tube?

Thank you?

 

[berkeman]

I googled thermal expansion coefficient of gasoline, and got lots of good hits. Gasoline is listed in a table part-way down this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coefficient_of_thermal_expansion

.

 

[Flantoons]

Thanks, but that doesn't help me, because I don't understand how to use all those equations. I'm not lazy, just stupid, so I am asking someone to work it out for me please.

 

[Danger]

I'm not lazy, just stupid,

Welcome to PF, Flantoons.
Generally speaking 'stupid' and 'gasoline' don't go together very well. (I'm sure that you're not stupid, though; just lacking knowledge.)
I mean no insult or disrespect. I'm just urging you to exercise caution and keep safety formost.

 

[berkeman]

Thanks, but that doesn't help me, because I don't understand how to use all those equations. I'm not lazy, just stupid, so I am asking someone to work it out for me please.

Can you please tell us the application?

 

[Flantoons]

I was thinking of trying to use expand ice or expanding gasoline to make an engine.

Here is a sketch of how it works:
http://www.flantoons.co.uk/no-gas-engine001.jpg

Questions:
1. How much does gasoline expand...say from 20 degrees C upwards? (as a liquid)

2. What pressure does gasoline exert as it expands?

3. Can I use a better liquid to make my idea work?

Thank you.

 

[Danger]

I still can't help with any numbers, but it appears that you're building basically a modified Sterling engine. Maybe try Googling that to get some ideas.

 

[negitron]

3. Can I use a better liquid to make my idea work?

Yes, any liquid that won't burn your face off if it ignites accidentally. There's a reason gasoline is the primary ingredient in Napalm and it ain't because it smells good in the morning.

 

[negitron]

Looking around, it seems ethyl alcohol has one of the higher thermal coefficients of expansion among commonly-available fluids, better even than gasoline.

 

[Ranger Mike]

ditto on alcohol for fuel...also love smell of Napalm in the morning...beats the smell of the burning latrines