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Experimental investigation of bifurcations in a thermoacoustic engine
Published in Multi-Science Publishing Co. Ltd
2015
Volume: 7
   
Issue: 2
Pages: 113 - 130
Abstract
In this study, variation in the characteristics of the pressure oscillations in a thermoacoustic engine is explored as the input heat flux is varied. A bifurcation diagram is plotted to study the variation in the qualitative behavior of the acoustic oscillations as the input heat flux changes. At a critical input heat flux (60 Watt), the engine begins to produce acoustic oscillations in its fundamental longitudinal mode. As the input heat flux is increased, incommensurate frequencies appear in the power spectrum. The simultaneous presence of incommensurate frequencies results in quasiperiodic oscillations. On further increase of heat flux, the fundamental mode disappears and second mode oscillations are observed. These bifurcations in the characteristics of the pressure oscillations are the result of nonlinear interaction between multiple modes present in the thermoacoustic engine. Hysteresis in the bifurcation diagram suggests that the bifurcation is subcritical. Further, the qualitative analysis of different dynamic regimes is performed using nonlinear time series analysis. The physical reason for the observed nonlinear behavior is discussed. Suggestions to avert the variations in qualitative behavior of the pressure oscillations in thermoacoustic engines are also provided.
About the journal
JournalInternational Journal of Spray and Combustion Dynamics
PublisherMulti-Science Publishing Co. Ltd
ISSN17568277
Open AccessNo
Concepts (15)
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    ACOUSTIC INTENSITY MEASUREMENT
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    Bifurcation (mathematics)
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    Engines
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    Thermoacoustic engines
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    Thermoacoustics
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    Time series analysis
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    ACOUSTIC OSCILLATION
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    Experimental investigations
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    Nonlinear interactions
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    NONLINEAR TIME-SERIES ANALYSIS
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    PRESSURE OSCILLATION
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    Qualitative analysis
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    QUALITATIVE BEHAVIOR
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    QUASIPERIODIC OSCILLATIONS
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    Heat flux