Design of thermoacoustic rig for the analysis of thermal and hydraulic performance of heat exchangers in oscillatory flow

This paper describes the design and fabrication of a standing wave thermoacoustic rig for specific purpose of investigating the heat transfer and pressure drop performance of thermoacoustic heat exchangers in oscillatory flow. Detailed description of the design of various components of the rig, including the representative heat exchangers and aerodynamic shapes, intended to modify the pressure drop characteristics, is given with emphasis on different capabilities of the rig and the reasons for specific choices that are made in the process of design and fabrication. Future activities with regards to the planned studies on the rig are also discussed.