Customer Reviews

An Introduction to Stirling Engines

5 star:		(3)
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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
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This compact little book provides a good general overview of Stirling Engine design and operation. It provides many illustrations which both explain the operation and provide examples of practical Stirling Engines. Dr. Senft also included a very brief description of the thermodynamic principles of these engines which includes an explaination of Carnot Efficiency. If you are looking for a mathmatical treatment or engineering text, look elsewhere; this book provides an interesting, easy to read high level introduction. I liked it but it could use a little more detail.

This review is written from the perspective of both novice and professional. I bought this book in April 2005 when my knowledge on thermodynamics was sketchy but my fasination on this machine was quite immense. As the book's title implies, this little piece of work is an introduction. Hence, please do not expect in-depth details or sophisticated technical treatments as these can be found in other texts on Stirling engines. However, for those who want to build a solid foundation in thermodynamics and the theory of heat engines in general including the mechanics of Stirling engines, this monograph is a great introduction.

I was impressed by way Dr. Senft struck a balance between essential thermodynamic theory and its relevence to the fundamental design of Stirling machine. For example, a brief introduction and some technical treatments of Carnot Theory is introduced as early as possible in the book as this is essential for a proper exposition of heat engines, especially those operate with Stirling cycle. Without this, non-technical readers can only grasp a mere mechanical movements and their description rather than a clear understanding of the basic theory that underpins Stirling machine.

Another point that worths mentioning is its comprehensiveness at an introductory level. How Stirling engines are classified according to their basic physical configurations and pros and cons of these configulations, an exemplified illustration, and the history of their development are organized in a cogent and highly readable manner.

I personally have to admit that this little monograph is a great help to develop my solid understanding on both Stirling machine and heat engines in general. It is a great primer and fun to read!

Doy Sundarasaradula, PhD

May 9, 2009

This is an outstanding succinct introduction to Stirling Engines. These engines are very intriguing but to get started quickly you should have the right books.

This has a moderately detailed yet approachable introduction to how these work and the basic design criteria. It's not a design book. It's not a detailed theory book. It's an approachable yet not too simplistic introduction.

Following that are very detailed plans for a relatively simple to build 3 engines. Note by relatively simple I mean drill press with perhaps a milling vise near minimum. Note you can source some of the more critical parts off the internet.

This book also has some great tips/tools such as for lapping the pistons - the first detailed yet approachable treatise I've seen in any book on this important area.

Along with this book I would also recommend An Introduction to Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engines for your first forays into this other fascinating area of Stirling engines.

See my Introduction to and Making Basic Stirling Engines list.

For a long time I am interested in Stirling Cycles. This book was frequentely cited as excelent for beginners. Now a got a chance to get it.

The book provides very little engineering data. Hobbits who are interested in playing with a model for fun may find the book amusing. Engineers who are interested in designing Stirling machines will find it useless.