Sterling engine Piston material alternatives

PurpLev

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I am planning on building a stirling engine, and am wondering if there are any confirmed good alternatives to the graphite pistons?

I don't have any graphite at the moment, but do have UHMW which is self lubricating and with very low friction. would that be a good substitution? are there other characteristics of the graphite that makes it the preferred choice in all the plans other than self lubrication and low friction?

Thanks in advance
 
I have seen people casting pistons out of JB-Weld. It's pretty slick when cured, and you get a really tight fit. I think the video I saw used brass tube stock.

Here is a video, not sure if it's the one I originally saw.

[video=youtube_share;RbhTKQKcH1c]http://youtu.be/RbhTKQKcH1c[/video]
 
PurpLev I believe that the UHMW will expand too much for a thermal engine. As the system heats up, the power piston will get too tight in the bore. Cast iron is a good choice, with a steel cylinder.

I got some graphite from Jerry Howell, a well respected model engine supplier, good service to me.
http://www.jerry-howell.com/

Good luck with your project.
Ed Hoc
 
Thanks for the responses, those made sense. since I do not have JB weld already, and the UHMW idea seemed to have a downfall, I ended up ordering a 1/2" graphite rod...
 
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