Condensation shock induced in wet thermoacoustic prime mover

This Letter unveils a novel observation of condensation shock in a thermoacoustic prime mover with a wet stack, powered by a consistent 70W heat input and maintained at atmospheric pressure. Intermittent pressure bursts, triggered by distinct acoustic cycles, reveal new characteristics of non-combustion-driven thermoacoustic instabilities, expanding the horizon beyond the energy conversion applications of traditional heat engines. Our findings, highlighted by pressure bursts reaching up to 35.8kPa and detailed through time-frequency analysis, not only emphasize the critical role of phase-change dynamics but also pave the way for potential applications in heat transfer and material separation.