Application of Discriminated Dimensional Analysis to the Kinematic Stirling Engine

Abstract

By means of spatially discriminated dimensional analysis, a complete system of dimensionless groups is proposed to describe the thermodynamic performance of the kinematic Stirling engine From experimental results, homogeneous dimensionless indicated power equations are deduced, as well as equations corresponding to the maximum indicated power operating point. Spatial discrimination evidences conceptual differences between quantities, reduces the number of dimensionless parameters and improves the design method based on dynamic similarity.