Steam engine

A steam engine is a heat engine that makes use of the thermal energy that exists in steam, converting it to mechanical work. Steam engines were used in pumps, locomotive trains, steam ships and steam tractors, and were essential to the Industrial Revolution. They are still used for electrical power generation using steam turbines.

Related Topics:
Heat engine - Thermal energy - Steam - Mechanical work - Pump - Locomotive - Steam ship - Steam tractor - Industrial Revolution - Power - Steam turbine

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A steam engine needs a boiler to boil water to produce steam under pressure. Any heat source can be used, but the most common is a fire fueled by wood, coal, or oil. (However, anything that can be burned can be used as fuel for the fire: paper, trash, used crankcase oil, ground-up corncobs, manure, natural gas, gasoline, high proof alcohol, dry grass, hay, dry weeds, etc.) The steam expands and pushes against a piston or turbine, whose motion does the work of turning wheels or driving other machinery.

Related Topics:
Water - Heat - Fire - Wood - Coal - Oil

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In British English, the term steam engine my also refer to an entire steam locomotive.

Related Topics:
British English - Steam locomotive

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