Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

In order to simulate increasing ambient pressure of a fueled Stirling engine, I am increasing the pressure of both ends of the engine by an equal amount, keeping the temperature differential constant.

How could I increase the cold end by the same amount as the hot end?

I was thinking of using a stove for the hot end and a candle/ice for the cold end (depending on the temperature of the hot end), and I would then cool off the ends to get the desired temperature, checking with a thermometer.

Would this work?

Hello,

That sounds like the best idea to increase the temperature of 2 ends of the engine equally. I'm not sure if there are other methods that would be easier or available for you to use, but I will keep you posted if I can come up with any more ideas.

Hello,

Running water is another good way to control the temperature of metals. One can use cold water to cool and hot water to heat. Then one can control the flow rate or number of gallons per minute to control the heat/cool rate. If you want to control both ends by the same amount, this can be done by mixing hot/cold water to both water supplies.

A lot of people get burned when cooking, so be careful with the heated ends...