TITLE: "An introduction to thermal acoustics"

SPEAKER: Gordon Smith,

Thermoacoustics involves the study of heat and sound. Near a surface, the thermoviscous nature of a real acoustic fluid enables an exchange of heat between the fluid and the surface, performing a nonzero amount of work. This work is manifested in the form of an acoustic wave, whose frequency and amplitude are dependant upon the geometry of the system. If the temperature profile of the surface is maintained using thermal sources or sinks, we have the makings of a heat engine. Thermoacoustic heat engines have the advantage of operating with inert gases and with little or no moving parts, making them an ideal candidate for environmentally-safe refrigeration with almost zero maintenance cost. A general overview of the topic of thermoacoustics will be covered, along with details of current thermoacoustic research at the University of Mississippi.