An approach to the design of stirling engine regenerator matrix using packs of wire gauzes.

Generalized experimental equations of the flow friction factor and heat transfer coefficient have been derived for packed wire screens with a variety of geometries. Based on these equations, a method to design a screen matrix for the regenerator of a Stirling engine is presented. Theoretical analysis is made on the thermal behavior of the matrix as well as on the thermal effectiveness of the regenerator. For comparison, several design of matrices are tested in an experimental Stirling engine. The results obtained confirm the validity of the design method.