ANALYSIS OF THE INITIAL BUILDUP OF OSCILLATIONS IN A THERMOACOUSTIC PRIME MOVER

Previously, the evolution of the quality factor Q of a prime mover bel ow onset of self-oscillation as a function of the temperature differen ce applied across the prime mover stack was discussed [A. A. Atchley, H. E. Bass, T. J. Hofler, and H. T. Lin, ''Study of a thermoacoustic p rime mover below onset of self-oscillation,'' J. Acoust. Sec. Am. 91, 734-743 (1992) and A. A. Atchley, ''Standing wave analysis of a thermo acoustic prime mover below onset of self-oscillation,'' J. Acoust. Sec . Am. 99, 2907-2914 (1992)]. In this paper, these measurements are ext ended through onset. Above onset Q is determined from measurements of the rise time of the initial buildup of the acoustic oscillations. The se measurements, coupled with those previously reported for below onse t conditions, show the complete evolution of Q for an individual prime mover from below to above onset. The measurements are in good agreeme nt with the predictions of a standing wave analysis of prime movers di scussed in the earlier work. It is suggested that measurements of the buildup of oscillations might be used to study factors that determine steady-state oscillation amplitude in prime movers.