Dr. Lovell's work?

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sjbryant2
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Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2002 1:34 pm
First Name: Stuart
Last Name: Bryant

Dr. Lovell's work?

Post by sjbryant2 »

I am enthusistic about "unconventional" engines. As I was revisiting
the Stirling, I recall a particularly fascinating professor I once
knew who had evidently had a hand in making the small models of the
Stirling popular. I had seen one he used in a physics demonstration.
Then I happened upon a most interesting report in our college library-
it was a doctoral thesis on the Stirling, authored by none other than
Dr. (Robert?)Lovell, the same prof demonstrating the solar powered
Stirling! This was in the early 80's. A series of brief but
fascinating conversations ensued with this brilliant but very humble
man. I am having difficulty finding anything more on his involvement.
Anyone aware of Dr. Lovell? I faintly recall that he commissioned a
machinist (in Arizona?) to make a model for him, and somehow out of
all this the models started becoming available to the public. Too bad
his thesis is not listed among the literature available. I do not know
whether his is still alive or not, he would be in his eighties now. He
retired into that position of professor; he had been an aerospace
engineer with many accomplishments before that.
info74
Posts: 70
Joined: Thu Aug 02, 2001 7:41 pm
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Van Arsdell

Response to Dr. Lovell's work?

Post by info74 »

If you remember the University where he did his thesis, that might make it easier for anyone who is interested to look up his work. The models you are referring to were ultimately made in large quantity by a company called Solar Engines of Phoenix Arizona. Last I heard they were being built by "PM Research." I don't know who the original designer was, though I heard it was a reproduction of a early 1900's engine.
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