Stirling engine survey for high school engineering class

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
2 replies · 3K views
TyChi
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
I am making a CNC machined stirling engine for high school my engineering class. Before I can get started I need people to fill out this survey to help me decide which design to go with. Thanks!

Stirling Info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN71k...eature=related

Stirling Survey

1. What should the base of the stirling engine be made of?

A. Maple B. Oak C. Cherry

2. What design should the flywheel have?

A. Solid B. Decorative C. Strait spoke style

3. What should its purpose be?

A. Desktop model B. Generator C. Fan

4. What should the heat source be?

A. Sun B. Candle C. Gas

5. What type of metal should the majority of it be made of?

A. Brass B. Aluminum C. Steel

6. What type of stirling engine should be made?

A. Alpha B. Beta C. Rhombic Drive

7. How much space should it occupy?

A. Larger than a shoebox B. Smaller than a shoebox

8. Do you have any comments, suggestions, questions about designing and building the engine?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. What should the base of the stirling engine be made of?
C. Cherry (It looks better, in my opinion.)

2. What design should the flywheel have?
A. Solid (Easier to machine, less vibration, more energy storage.)

3. What should its purpose be?
B. Generator

4. What should the heat source be?
B. Candle (I think this would be easiest)

5. What type of metal should the majority of it be made of?
A. Brass (Less friction)

6. What type of stirling engine should be made?
A. Alpha (Classic)

7. How much space should it occupy?
B. Smaller than a shoebox