Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Thermoacoustic Refrigerators

Abstract

A new three-dimensional finite-volume model is presented to examine the thermoviscous interactions between the oscillating-gas and the solid walls in a thermoacoustic stack made of square pores. The 3D model enables us to investigate the temperature variation with time at the stack ends along with the evolving axial velocity profiles within the stack at different transversal planes. The present numerical results show good agreement with theoretical values. The mean (time-averaged) energy flux density, flow streaming and vorticity field are calculated and presented in this study