Thermoacoustics
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Thermoacoustics is about the interaction between thermodynamic and acoustic phenomena. Thermoacoustics is a relatively new field of science and engineering. Few devices based on this principle have been made thus far. Most are for research purposes.
[edit] Theory
From the ideal gas law
the following expression can be derived for adiabatic temperature change caused by pressure change and vice versa.
The above formula states that there is a relation between pressure changes, and temperature changes. A dynamic pressure would cause a dynamic temperature and vice versa.
[edit] Applications
Applications of thermoacoustics are thermoacoustic engines. In general, thermoacoustic engines can be divided in standing wave and travelling wave devices. Travelling waves can be described with the Stirling thermodynamic cycle, and standing waves with the Brayton cycle. These two types of thermoacoustics devices can again be divided in two types, a prime mover (or simply heat engine), and a heat pump. The prime mover creates work using heat and a heat pump creates or moves heat using work.
A thermoacoustic device basically consists of heat exchangers, a resonator, and a stack or regenerator. A standing wave device is called a stack, and a travelling wave device is called a regenerator.
