| Abstract: | A thermal engine with solid metal as the single-phase working substance is described. The engine can consist of nothing more than a metal tube mounted in a bearing at either end so that it is free to rotate about its axis, with a flywheel mass at its midpoint. When the tube is heated on its upper surface, the region of its maximum compressive bending stress, it will rotate and produce steady power. Compared to engines using a gas or a liquid as the working substance, this engine has the disadvantage of low thermal efficiency but the advantage of simplicity. The solid metal phase engine may be useful for converting solar energy into small amounts of mechanical energy in underdeveloped regions of the world. |
