Turbulent losses in thermoacoustic resonators

Minimizing losses resulting from turbulent flow in thermoacoustic resonators while preserving compactness is of concern. Iguchi et al. [Bull. JSME 25, 1398 (1982)], using an extension of the Blasius turbulent friction factor, determined a formulation by which turbulent losses in pipes with oscillating flows could be predicted. This formulation is applied in a preliminary effort to predict acoustic power dissipation. These predictions are compared with acoustic power flow measurements made using a thermo‐ acoustic engine having a straight pipe. Additional losses are expected if the resonator is not straight. Measurements using an engine having corkscrew or mitre‐jointed resonators are compared to the work of Olson et al. (manuscript in progress). [Work supported by DOE.]