A. Prosperetti
M. Watanabe
Dept. of Mech. Eng., Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD 21218
Upon integrating the governing equations over the cross section of a thermoacoustic device, a simplified one-dimensional model is obtained. While only approximate, this model renders the study of nonlinear effects very amenable to analysis. In particular, for a thermoacoustic prime mover, the stability limits are calculated and the steady-state amplitude is estimated on the basis of a weakly nonlinear theory. For larger amplitudes, numerical results are presented. The marked propensity of the system to develop shock waves is found to be a very strong factor limiting its efficiency. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]