Numerical simulation analysis of thermal acoustic generator

Over the past several years, much interest has been devoted to the study of thermal acoustic machines that achieve simplicity by eliminating moving parts such as pistons. This paper is concerned with the development of a numerical simulation to accurately predict the behavior of thermal acoustic machines. A nodal analysis model is employed in this study. Complete differential equations of continuity, momentum, energy and the state of the gas are derived. An implicit method is used to solve equations in the time direction. The simulation results of a typical thermal acoustic generator are presented and these include the frequency, pressure ratio and gas temperature versus the heater temperature using helium, argon and nitrogen as working gas. Experimental data are discussed to confirm the validity of the simulation model.