Composite-Matrix Regenerators for Stirling Engines

A prototype Stirling-engine regenerator containing a matrix made of carbon-fiber-based composite materials has been developed. The concept underlying this development effort is one of exploiting the properties of composite materials (e.g., the anisotropy of thermal conductivity of carbon fibers and the tailorability of composite materials and structures) to reduce thermal and flow losses below those of previously developed regenerators containing metal matrices.