Investigating student understanding of a heat engine: a case study of a Stirling engine

Abstract We report on the study of student difficulties regarding a heat engine in context Stirling cycle by method measurement. An in-class test about with regenerator was taken three classes, and students were asked to perform one most basic activities—calculate efficiency engine. Our data indicate that quite few have not developed robust conceptual understanding engineering knowledge Notably, error ratio class given simple tutorial is smaller than those other two classes more 20%. In addition, both written answers post-test interviews show cannot associate Carnot’s theorem cycle. results suggest scientific are important should be included instructional approaches, especially thermodynamics course taught countries regions tradition paying much attention experimental education or training.