Ask an Educator...

[abracax]

this is an odd question, but how do external combustion engines work? (like the stirling engine)

Internal combustion is actually a very interesting thing. A piston compresses gasses, the spark plug then sparks creating a controlled explosion. This pushes the piston down, turning the crank shaft which is connected to a transmission. The transmission transfers the power of of the engine into your drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to the axle which turns your wheels.

[Wesdres]

bah... I'm talking about EXTERNAL combustion.

[abracax]

Why did you ask a question you knew the answer too then insult the answerer?

I was being a smart ass when I asked it, I didn't expect anyone to actually answer it, and if anyone did I thought they would at least know the answer lol

[abracax]

bah... I'm talking about EXTERNAL combustion.

DOH! you are right, I completely misread that lmao


An external combustion engine (EC engine) is a heat engine where an (internal) working fluid is heated by combustion of an external source, through the engine wall or a heat exchanger. The fluid then, by expanding and acting on the mechanism of the engine produces motion and usable work.[1] The fluid is then cooled, compressed and reused (closed cycle), or (less commonly) dumped, and cool fluid pulled in (open cycle air engine).

"Combustion" refers to burning fuel with an oxidizer, to supply the heat. Engines of similar (or even identical) configuration and operation may use a supply of heat from other sources such as nuclear, solar, geothermal or exothermic reactions not involving combustion; but are not then strictly classed as external combustion engines, but as external thermal engines.

The working fluid can be a gas as in a Stirling engine, or steam as in a steam engine. The fluid can be of any composition; gas is by far the most common, although even single-phase liquid is sometimes used. In the case of the steam engine, the fluid changes phases between liquid and gas.

[Boleslav]

where is a good place to start resurching falconry? i've always wanted to do it, but i dont even know where to start learning what i need to know

I found this website http://www.oregonfalconers.org/ but I can't verify if they are the best contact for you or not. You may want to contact people who work with animals (raptor-zookeepers, vets, animal shelter personnel) to see if they have a recommendation for you. If it were me, one of my priorities would be to make sure the club or group I joined really took care of their birds. You will need a licence, so contact the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, they will be able to give you the best information.

Do you mind me asking why you are interested in falconry? It seems such an interesting and somewhat unusual hobby, I'd love to learn more myself.

[Boleslav]

I was being a smart ass when I asked it, I didn't expect anyone to actually answer it, and if anyone did I thought they would at least know the answer lol

Please carry on asking! You are raising good questions and I am learning from the answers. Thank you.

[abracax]

where is a good place to start resurching falconry? i've always wanted to do it, but i dont even know where to start learning what i need to know

Falconry? Serious? wow, you don't go for anything simple do you. I knew a falconer, and before you are allowed a bird of prey it takes up to 20yrs to get to that point. Good luck on starting that.

Please carry on asking! You are raising good questions and I am learning from the answers. Thank you.

Thank you, some of this stuff I know, some I googled. For instance, the external combustion, I thought I knew it but I had to make sure, so when I found it I copied and pasted.

[logrus]

I am currently a college student, however I have not yet decided on a major, any suggestions on how to choose one? Or tests that might help?

[CandleLite]

I found this website http://www.oregonfalconers.org/ but I can't verify if they are the best contact for you or not. You may want to contact people who work with animals (raptor-zookeepers, vets, animal shelter personnel) to see if they have a recommendation for you. If it were me, one of my priorities would be to make sure the club or group I joined really took care of their birds.

Do you mind me asking why you are interested in falconry? It seems such an interesting and somewhat unusual hobby, I'd love to learn more myself.

lol fanticy novels. i read thru that site already, followed thier sugestions and hit a dead end. thanks for looking it up for me. basicly what i know now is that i dont know anything. i dont know what equipment i will need, where to get it, how to care for or use it. i dont know how much space i'll need for my birds home, i dont even know wich of the two classes of bird i want. so i dont know how to get what i dont know to feed it. i cant get a hold of my local chapter of the falconers assocation to get feed back on where to start learning what i dont know will be on the test i have to take, and i dont know how much that is, befor i can spend time with a mentor i dont know how to find and even get started with the birds.
i do know its a long envolved highly regulated sport. i do know that the closest relationship you can expect from your bird is respect. i do know that it will be more involving then haveing kids, just in the time and dedication needed to maintain it.

[Boleslav]

I am currently a college student, however I have not yet decided on a major, any suggestions on how to choose one? Or tests that might help?

I changed my major three times in college. In the end I chose International Politics for two reasons (1) It was the class I enjoyed most, and (2) It was the class where I got grades that I felt most reflected my effort. I talked about it with all my professors.

Having a degree is only part of the work that should be done in college. Employers tell educators that they are looking to hire people with strong communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills. Given the troubles some grads are having finding work right now, what you are doing outside your degree that demonstrates mastery of these skills is probably very important - and I would imagine moderating would be a great example.