Stability curves for a thermoacoustic prime mover

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stability curves of the fundamental and second modes in a helium filled prime mover. The predicted and measured stability limits are in reasonable agreement for both modes at most mean pressures. There is, however, evidence that the stability of one mode is affected by the presence of the other. It is also observed that one mode can suppress the other. Measurements are also reported on a prime mover modified to selectively inhibit the fundamental mode. Results indicate that the reduced fundamental amplitude allows the stability curve for the second mode to extend into the regions where the fundamental mode previously dominated. This produces a region where both modes are simultaneously excited. Analysis of the waveforms show that the resulting oscillations are quasiperiodic.