• Experiment topics:
• Operation of a Stirling engine as a classical heat-engine
• Measurement of the no-load (idling) rate of rotation as a function of the heat input
• Recording and evaluating a pV diagram
• Error 2023

A functional model of a Stirling engine based on an idea by Professor Wilke optimised for demonstrating to students the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy and the operation of a thermal engine, as well as investigating the Stirling cycle.
The interplay between the displacement piston and the power piston can be seen especially clearly at a low rate of rotation. In this version the displacement piston moves discontinuously, with a dwell time during the heating of the working medium (air) and a second dwell time during its cooling. This offers a clearer demonstration of the ideal Stirling cycle than is possible with continuous piston movement.
The heat source can be provided by an integrated electric hotplate, a candle flame, or focused radiation from the sun or from a lamp. In the latter case the direction of rotation will depend on whether the heat is applied from above or from below.
For recording pV diagrams, the pressure can be measured via a rubber hose connection on the power cylinder, and the volume can be measured by attaching a thread to the power piston to follow its movement.