Analysis of properties of a laboratory model of a Gamma Stirling engine

The main subject of the article is the analysis of the characteristics of a Stirling engine. The article presents a general principle of operation of the engine, its basic types and properties. The paper contains a description of the construction of a laboratory model of the engine and the results of the experimental studies. The basic criterion which guided the designing and building the engine was to maximize the energy density, efficiency, while minimizing the cost of materials – to this end the engine has been designed and constructed so as to allow replacement of particular components. The conducted experimental studies have shown that the best parameters of the engine has a cylinder made of iron, a steel flywheel and a steel radiator. The brake efficiency of the engine for this configuration was 16%.