"... a more brainy site." Yes, but I must apology to iHub's resident scientist Dr. Zeev Hed for using his name again as a reference to what it takes to do this type of science, and while exposing highschool kids to thermodynamics is folly, there is a:
BUILD YOUR OWN ACOUSTIC LASER - thermoacoustic engine kit
That can answer some deep questions for those few extra bright high school boys and girls with math and science abilities that don't know where any college or university education would lead them, as in the work environment. Most of these kids are not lucky enough to get involved in science fairs, and some might not even have science teachers with abilities to enlighten them. But this kit is low cost, and has a huge amount of hands on work needed to give an excellent taste of what it means to take the science into the lab.
But Zeev might know if this area might be a good one for a highschool student interested in a science education heavy in math to entry now and graduate with an advanced degree in 5+ years from now. If I remember correctly, Zeev's physics is strong in the discipline of thermodynamics.
The highlights of this kit are expressed as follows from a cut & paste I did on the Kit Instructions, and gives a simple explaination of what this is all about once you look up in your Google search "oscillating acoustically" :o) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kit Instructions Page 9
Connect the laser to the power source.
Within 10 seconds, you should see the heater wire start to glow orange in some places, usually near the 180° degree bends at the ends of the grooves.
Once you see the glow, it will only be about 10 more seconds before the laser starts to emit a loud, pure tone.
Acoustically-enhanced heat transfer.
You should notice that the "heater glow" would cease, or diminish substantially, once the laser starts to radiate sound.
This is due to the enhancement of the air's ability to transport heat that occurs when it is oscillating acoustically.
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