Labs / History
The Steam Engine
This is the machine that powered the Industrial Revolution. Feed the firebox to build boiler pressure, open the throttle valve to admit steam, and hang a load on the flywheel. The piston's back-and-forth stroke becomes smooth rotation — and the readouts tell you exactly how much horsepower you are making.
P 200 kPaF 0.0 kNRPM 0Power 0.0 hp
What to try
- Turn the fire to Full but leave the throttle nearly shut. Where does all that pressure go — and why does the safety valve start to puff?
- With a steady fire, slowly open the throttle. Does the flywheel spin faster forever, or does something hold it back?
- Pile on the load. What happens to the RPM, and can more fire win the speed back?
- Switch off the heavy flywheel. Why does the engine suddenly run so jerkily between power strokes?
- Can you find the settings that squeeze out the most horsepower — and is that the same as the highest RPM?