Engineering Projects/Engines/Howard Community College/Fall2011/550/qjb-eng

Electronic Sections Expected

Problem Statement

Design and construct a Sterling Engine.

Team Members

• Lloyd
• chi

• Mirza

Summary

The team goal was to design and develop three separate working models of a Sterling engine. Utilizing nothing more than common items found inexpensively at any hardware store.

Overcoming the typical problems associated with this type of build would include the fitting of non-machined parts. Also typical is the using materials that are re-purposed and may not be the standard by which harmonics of any typical rotational design are cut from.

The primary means by which the mechanical system will be balanced will be the use of a flywheel. Critical to the systems function it must be proportionate to the system.

Weekly Reports

Poster

Robert Sterling The man who started it all

Story

Three students designed and built three versions of the Sterling engine with the notion that different approaches would be taken. All are vertical designs but with different materials and approaches.

This would provide a way to gain the perspective of the different methods of construction. At the same time this approach would provide an opportunity of encountering different setbacks associated with each design thus providing more sources to problem solve as a collective.

Decision List

Decided to construct three different designs

Material List

Materials list

Software List

Google+

Google Docs

Google Sketch-Up

Time

Hours Work Spreadsheet

Tutorials

Critical Measurements

Displacer Thickness= ½ displacement of displacer cylinder

Crankshaft Drive Offset= Equal to Length of Drive Stroke

Crankshaft Displacer Offset= (⅛-Length of Displacer Stroke)/ 2

Next Steps

Research the science prior to developing a design. Biggest mistake would to rush the design process by an eagerness to build.

Ideas for design:

Paint Can Model