Parts of a Steam Engine

Harnessing the power of steam marked a highly significant step in technology and the introduction of the steam engine led to many new inventions in transport and industry. Steam engines convert the energy of heat into mechanical energy, often by allowing steam to expand in a cylinder equipped with a movable piston. As the piston moves up and down, or from side to side, an attached arm converts this motion into parallel motion that drives a wheel. Steam engines were built as early as 1690, but it was not until 70 years later that James Watt arrived at the design of the modern steam engine.

Dorling Kindersley

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Industry; Mechanical Engineering; Steam Engine; Technology; Industrial Revolution

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