Thursday, 1 November 2007

steam engines andmachinery

A steam engine is an external combustion heat engine that makes use of the heat energy that exists in steam, converting it to mechanical work.
Steam engines were used as the prime mover in pumping stations, locomotives, steam ships, traction engines, steam lorries and other road vehicles. They were essential to the Industrial Revolution and saw widespread commercial use driving machinery in factories and mills, although most have since been superseded by internal combustion engines and electric motors.

A steam engine requires a boiler to heat water into steam. The expansion of steam exerts force upon a piston or turbine blade, whose motion can be harnessed for the work of turning wheels or driving other machinery.
Below are some pictures of machinery and steam engines, pips etc..