Good Science
 

Posted by Gary Bonner at 03/10/2001 8:52 AM EST


Other on team #433, Firebirds, from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and SCT Corp., FMC Corp..


In Reply to: Correlation Vs. Causation...
Posted by Joe Johnson on 03/09/2001 11:27 AM EST:



Regarding the comments about computer modeling, the same rationale could be applied to any scientific research. Researchers could fix their results in many different ways, and they don't need computers to do it. Peer review and confirming studies make good science, not skepticism of a researcher's motives.

internal combustion engine
 

Posted by Ken Leung at 03/08/2001 11:47 PM EST


Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School.


In Reply to: Re: Sterling Engine
Posted by ChrisH on 03/08/2001 8:13 PM EST:



I remember hearing about electrical engine can be more efficient than internal combustion engine...

But the main reason the internal combustion engine is so popular these days is because some guy (Rockefeller) got lots of gasoline he needed to sale, therefore he went on and promoted Gas station every where along the streets, making it more convenient for consumers to purchase gas instead of going into electric station to charge up the battery. Now a days, you don’t see any electric station with a mini-market on the side of the street…

So, the point is that consumers have a lot of power over what kind of technology is chosen. And the chosen one doesn't necessary have to be the most efficient and/or safest for the environment...

Lots of factors decide if a product will survive in the modern market. The price of manufacturing, the regulation from government, consumer's taste, research and testing for improvement, needs of consumers...

So, I am wondering if the Sterling will actually sale...

Check Out Gaia Theory
 

Posted by Raul at 03/11/2001 12:49 AM EST


Engineer on team #111, Wildstang, from Rolling Meadows & Wheeling HS and Motorola.


In Reply to: Re: Sterling Engine
Posted by ChrisH on 03/08/2001 8:13 PM EST:



These discussions also caught my attention because I also once had many debates about global warming, ozone layers and a few other things that are theoretically caused by the human organisms on this planet.

So, rather than express my understanding or opinions, I will just add some fuel to the fire (pun intended) by suggesting you read about the Gaia Theory (link enclosed).

Raul

Re: Sterling Engine
 

Posted by mike oleary at 03/09/2001 10:11 PM EST


Student on team #419, rambots, from bc high and sponsors are overrated..go pocket-change robots!!!.


In Reply to: Sterling Engine
Posted by Gary Bonner on 03/08/2001 1:06 PM EST:



if you yell for 8 years, 7 months, and 6 days (which approximately corrisponds to the amount of yelling that takes place at any one nfl game) youll have produced enough energy to heat a cup of coffee...which means that its theoretically possible to power a sterling engine with a lot of yelling (hmmm...maybe there is a future for us ninny-ific rambots yet), or by a football game

: Also for what it's worth....

: I received a copy of the latest Edmund's Scientific catalog today. On the cover they have a sterling engine that runs on a hot cup of coffee.

: Time to sell that Exxon stock and invest in Starbucks?

Re: Sterling Engine
 

Posted by PAUL GIANNOSA at 03/09/2001 10:34 PM EST


Engineer on team #27, TEAM RUSH, from OSMTECH and TEXTRON AUTOMOTIVE CO..


In Reply to: Sterling Engine
Posted by Gary Bonner on 03/08/2001 1:06 PM EST:



: Also for what it's worth....

: I received a copy of the latest Edmund's Scientific catalog today. On the cover they have a sterling engine that runs on a hot cup of coffee.

: Time to sell that Exxon stock and invest in Starbucks?I don't know if i am red i to give up the ic just yet. I want to breathe more hydrocarbons as i am flying down the drag strip at speeds most people don't even know exist. Going fast in a race car with the big bad 471 ci chevy revin' at 8500 rpm's is pretty addicting! But, i would gladly explore stirling motor applications to drag racing to keep our lungs clean. The little research i have done on the stirling design indicates thier is a huge power potential we are missing out on. My first reaction is to hook up a Miller Synchrowave 300 to the hot side and a nitrgen chiller to the other side. Fire up the welder and the Kelvinator and hold on cuz' this Camaro is gunna hall booty!! We don't even have all the research done to build a feasible , reliable, cheap and durable stirling and i want to hot rod one! Must be a personality flaw. Same flaw responsible for this nasty FIRST addiction!!