HOME › Forums › Thermoacoustic Engines › 3d printed Thermoacoustic Engine
- This topic has 4 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 19 hours, 33 minutes ago by Ralf.
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2026-05-09 at 19:28 #310minthemercilessParticipant
A 3d printed engine would be great.
@My Engines, have you tested your 3d printed T branch yet?
2026-05-09 at 22:12 #318RalfParticipantNo, as I think I made it too complex with several connections for pressurization, pressure measurement, pressure balancing and I also want to avoid the tread and use a proper flange solution for useful later adaptions!
I really have to try the clamping mechanism!2026-05-09 at 23:03 #321minthemercilessParticipantAh, I see, that makes sense. I think tri-clamps would be really good, yeah. Not sure how strong a printed flange might be, hence the thoughts on printed parts inside a tri-clamp tube.
2026-06-12 at 00:31 #336John TParticipantI sent Ralf a video of the DIY prototype build we did so far for FluxTech. We have a 3D printed compliance chamber. One of the main things that I think finally got it working properly is that we used it to have a second internal membrane to stop Gideon (mass) streaming. I haven’t taken the time yet to take the stls into a CAD session and really see what’s going on, but I don’t see an internal membrane to stop mass streaming, I wonder why it isn’t necessary in your case?
For us we have a funny solution of a balloon over the lip of the pipe fit with an o-ring so it stays between the pipe and the 3D printed part and keeps a seal. There’s a little clamp on the end of it and a bar so you can pull the end of the balloon to change the tension and “tune” it so that is passes the acoustic wave. Surely not a very efficient way to do it, but it works and was fun to design. I’ll try to get some pictures when I get a chance.
I’m also interested that the power membrane doesn’t look easily tuneable, I can recommend building it like a drum head like how we did, it’s a pretty natural application of existing engineering.2026-06-12 at 18:19 #337RalfParticipantYour engine is truly fantastic; many people would be very interested in seeing a video or some photos uploaded here, on Discord or YouTube!
The technique using the membrane to curb the harmful Gideon streaming is very interesting; a few pictures would really help to understand it.
I believe many people also use a nozzle-shaped component (jet pump?) inside.
None of these measures are built into the current engine; I hope to minimise the harmful streaming through the design of the feedback loop combining inertia and compliance.
Rob and others are already working intensively with DeltaEC, and this can likely be taken into account in the calculations via integrated RPN modules.These are really great results; some further information and pictures of your motor would be fantastic!
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