SUMMARY

This thesis aims to shed light on the internal thermofluidic mechanisms which provide heat to mechanical work conversion for the liquid piston heat engine. A working model has been developed to understand the distribution of heat transfer within the engines' working gas as well as provides an understanding of the internal thermodynamic cycles which power the engines. Extensive work has been performed to optimize the engine's geometry and working fluid to maximize efficiency and power output. Also discussed are novel applications of this engine for the purposes of waste heat utilization, and how their simplistic design and functionality can be used to demonstrate thermodynamics in a classroom setting.