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| A device that converts the ] that exists as pressure in ], and converts that to mechanical force. Early examples were the steam ] trains, and ] that relied on |
A device that converts the ] that exists as pressure in ], and converts that to mechanical force. Early examples were the steam ] trains, and ] that relied on these engines for movement. The ] came about primarily because of the steam engine. | ||
| The first steam device was invented by the ]s before 300BC, but never utilized as anything other than a toy. Steam engines are of various types but most are ] or ] devices. | The first steam device was invented by the ]s before 300BC, but never utilized as anything other than a toy. Steam engines are of various types but most are ] or ] devices. | ||
| The strength of the steam engine for modern purposes is in its ability to convert raw heat into mechanical work. Most notably, without the use of a steam engine ] could not be harnessed for useful work, as a ] does not directly generate either mechanical work or electrical energy - the reactor itself does nothing but sit there and get hot. It is the steam engine which converts that heat into useful work. | |||
Revision as of 14:30, 17 August 2001
A device that converts the potential energy that exists as pressure in steam, and converts that to mechanical force. Early examples were the steam locomotive trains, and steam ships that relied on these engines for movement. The Industrial Revolution came about primarily because of the steam engine.
The first steam device was invented by the Greeks before 300BC, but never utilized as anything other than a toy. Steam engines are of various types but most are reciprocal piston or turbine devices.
The strength of the steam engine for modern purposes is in its ability to convert raw heat into mechanical work. Most notably, without the use of a steam engine nuclear energy could not be harnessed for useful work, as a nuclear reactor does not directly generate either mechanical work or electrical energy - the reactor itself does nothing but sit there and get hot. It is the steam engine which converts that heat into useful work.