Steam Engine

A steam engine is a device which uses heat energy and converts it into work. As a consequence of expansion used within the engine, the steam must have a high-temperature range in order to maintain high efficiency. The steam engine usually consists of a piston and a cylinder. Pressurized steam is admitted into the cylinder by a valve mechanism. The steam then expands and pushes the piston. The piston is connected to a crank on a flywheel, which produces a rotary motion. In a simple steam engine, expansion of the steam takes place in only one cylinder. There are also types of engines with two or more cylinders. More cylinders mean increased space for greater expansion of the steam and therefore higher efficiency. The first commercial steam engine appeared in 1698. It was not very effective and later had to be improved by new mechanisms. The steam engine is one of the great inventions of the Industrial Revolution.