Does anyone have some rules of thumb, or better yet, mathematical equations covering gamma-type Stirling engines? I want to make one from junk around the house, but I don't want to guess at it. My specific questions are about the volume of the power cylinder (would I just use the ideal gas law [V1*T2 = V2*T1, with the temps in rankines], from my desired temperature differential?), the volume of the displacer piston in relation to the power cylinder, the mass of the displacer piston and the mass/diameter of the flywheel.
Also, does anyone know if the displacer cylinder has to be exactly 90° off of the power cylinder, or can it be just close - I'm thinking of powering the displacer with neodymium magnets to get a better seal.
Also, does anyone know if the displacer cylinder has to be exactly 90° off of the power cylinder, or can it be just close - I'm thinking of powering the displacer with neodymium magnets to get a better seal.