Thermodynamics education for energy transformation: a Stirling Engine experiment

TL;DR

This paper introduces a practical undergraduate experiment using a transparent Stirling Engine to demonstrate energy transformation, measure efficiency, and integrate thermodynamics with electronics and data analysis for comprehensive physics education.

Contribution

It presents an accessible, multi-disciplinary Stirling Engine experiment that enhances thermodynamics teaching by linking theory with hands-on measurement and analysis.

Findings

Most students successfully completed the experiment.

Results aligned with authors' measurements.

The experiment effectively integrates thermodynamics and electronics.

Abstract

We present a thermodynamics experiment suitable for first year undergraduate students employing Stirling Engines to create a demonstration of energy transformation and to measure the mechanical efficiency of such engines. Using an inexpensive transparent chambered Stirling Engine, students can connect concepts such as the theoretical pressure-volume diagram with the physical movements of the engine's pistons and the resultant useful output work of a spinning wheel. We found the majority of students successfully complete this experiment obtaining results similar to when performed by the authors. In addition to the core thermodynamics lesson, this experiment incorporates DC circuits, oscilloscopes, and data analysis so it can be integrated into a wider undergraduate physics course to combine the teaching of multiple subjects.