Simulation Model for Vuilleumier Cycle Machines and Analysis of Characteristics

Abstract

Numerical analysis using the computer is useful in predicting and evaluating the performance of the Vuilleumier (VM) cycle machine in research and development. The 3rd-order method must be employed particularly in the case of detailed analysis of performance and design optimization. This paper describes our simulation model for the VM machine, which is based on that method. The working space is divided into thirty-eight control volumes for the VM heat pump test machine, and the fundamental equations are derived rigorously by applying the conservative equations of mass, momentum, and energy to each control volume, using staggered mesh. These equations are solved simultaneously by the Adams-Moulton method. Then, the test machine is investigated in terms of the pressure and temperature fluctuations of the working gas, the energy flow, and the performance at each speed of revolution. The calculated results are examined in comparison with the experimental ones.