A low temperature differential Stirling engine which can be used with the Vernier sensors to demonstrate its working concepts. Classes Used: PHYS 153

Entropy, Energy Conversion, Newton's second law, Stirling Cycle

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Demonstrate the Stirling engine and cycle, display P-V diagrams, calculate power output.

Items Needed: - Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engine - Styrofoam cup or beaker with steaming water (brought to almost boiling point) - Vernier Module - 5V voltage source and leads - Gas Pressure Sensor - Differential Voltage Meter - Logger Pro Program

Procedure:

Stirling engine: 1. Place the Stirling engine on top of the cup of boiling water 2. Give it some time to heat up (It runs of a temperature difference) 3. Start the engine with your hand (As far as I can tell it only runs one direction so figure out which one) 4.

If you are running it without the pressure sensor you need to have the value CLOSED, if you want to run it with the pressure sensor have the valve OPEN

Setting up Logger Pro 1. Connect the circular end of the pressure sensor to the valve on the engine 2. Connect the differential voltage sensor to the black and white leads and then plug it into the slots above the label marked “sensor” 3. Use a multi-meter to check that the voltage coming out of the power source is ~5V. (if it is not then the 9V inside has died, unscrew the top and replace the 9V battery (Be careful not to short any of the wires, this is easy to do))