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Beale number

Description

In mechanical engineering, the Beale number is a parameter that characterizes the performance of Stirling engines. It is often used to estimate the power output of a Stirling engine design. Stirling engine is a heat engine that operates by cyclic compression and expansion of air or other gas (the working fluid) at different temperatures, such that there is a net conversion of heat energy to mechanical work. For engines operating with a high temperature differential, typical values for the Beale number range from ( 0.11 ) to ( 0.15 ); where a larger number indicates higher performance.

Related formulas

Variables

BnBeale number (dimensionless)
W0The power output of the engine (watt)
PThe mean average gas pressure (Pa)
VSwept volume of the power piston (m3)
fThe engine cycle frequency (Hz)