152 Pages
Chapter 1: My History with Stirling Engines
My First Pop Can Engine
My Next Attempt: The Coffee Cup Engine
The Reciprocating Engine
Applying Lessons Learned
Chapter 2: A Brief History of Stirling Engines
Stirling Engine History
Almost Famous
Competing with Early Steam
Powering the Electric Radio
Harvesting Waste Heat to Make Electricity
Chapter 3: The Stirling Cycle Explained
A Basic Explanation of the Principle
What Makes These Designs Unique?
Chapter 4: What Makes a Good Stirling Engine?
Materials
Low Friction
Precision and Balance
Simple to Build
Chapter 5: Working with Aluminum
Cutting
Flattening
Finishing
Chapter 6: Working with Acrylic
Joining Acrylic
Finishing Acrylic
Chapter 7: Thermoforming Vinyl
Equipment Needed for Thermoforming
Thermoforming Process
Chapter 8: Tools Needed for These Projects
Chapter 9: Engine #1 - The Reciprocating Stirling Engine
Parts List
Finding the Parts
Conceptual Drawings
Step by Step Instructions
Operation and Fine Tuning
Adding Helium
Running from the Heat of Your Hand
Chapter 10: Engine #2 - Horizontal Flywheel Magnetic Drive Stirling Engine
Engine Design Explained
Parts List
Conceptual Drawings
Step by Step Instructions
Operation and Fine Tuning
Adding Helium
Running from the Heat of Your Hand
Chapter 11: Engine #3 - Vertical Flywheel Magnetic Drive Stirling Engine
Engine Design Explained
Parts List
Conceptual Drawings
Step by Step Instructions
Operation and Fine Tuning
Running from the Heat of Your Hand
Adding Helium
Appendices
A: Tips to Improve Engine Performance
B: Proper Running Technique
C: Saw Blades and Techniques for Cutting Acrylic – Additional Information
D: Drills and Drilling Techniques for Acrylic – Additional Information
E: Metric Conversions