Steam engine

Steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. The steam engine uses the force produced by steam pressure to push a piston back and forth inside a cylinder. This pushing force is transformed, by a connecting rod and flywheel, into rotational force for work.

History

The first recorded rudimentary steam engine was the aeolipile described by Heron of Alexandria in the 1st century AD. Starting in the 12th century, a number of steam-powered devices were developed, showing the potential of steam power. The significant breakthrough occurred in the 17th century with the Savery steam pump, followed by Newcomen's atmospheric engine. The Watt steam engine, developed sporadically from 1763 to 1775, was a great step in the development of the steam engine. Offering a dramatic increase in fuel efficiency, James Watt's design became synonymous with steam engines, due in no small part to his business partner, Matthew Boulton.

Types of steam engines

There are two fundamental components of a steam engine: the boiler, which provides heat to generate steam, and the engine proper, where the heat energy of the steam is converted into mechanical work. Steam engines can be classified into different types based on several factors, including the type of cycle used (such as the Rankine cycle), the number of cylinders, and the valve gear used.

Reciprocating steam engines

Reciprocating steam engines utilize a piston or pistons to convert pressure into rotating motion. They are the most widely used type of steam engine.

Steam turbines

Steam turbines use steam to produce rotary motion directly, and are used in the majority of modern steam-powered electrical generating plants.

Applications

Steam engines have been used in a wide range of applications, including locomotives, steamships, and factories. They were essential to the Industrial Revolution and remain in use in some applications today.

See also

• History of the steam engine
• Timeline of steam power
• Steam locomotive
• Steam car
• Steamboat
• Steamship