Steam-Age Tech

STEAM-AGE FOUNDATIONS

a Traveling Technology Workshop

Presentations, Publications and Videos

Presentations:

= STEAM POWER =

&

= THE LOCOMOTIVE=

Harnessing Heat and
The Expansion of Gasses

The heart of the Industrial Revolution was the Steam-Engine, and the mobile steam-engine the locomotive which changed forever human society. This program considers the mechanical principles of harnessing energy and converting forms of energy, and then we look at the socio-economic implications of transcontinental travel and commerce.

Scientific Principles:

• Mechanical Transmission of power
• Gasses and Liquids
• Atmospheric Pressure
• Thermodynamics

Program Outline

[ Seminar Format Ca. 45 minutes ]
[ Workshop Format Ca. 90 minutes ]
Workshop Format has more hands-on time for the participants

• Hero's Engine - Ancient Greece [Practical Demo]

The Physics of a Steam Engine

• Properties of liquids and gasses
• The expansion of Gas with Heat [Practical Demo]
• Condensation of Gas to Liquid
• Atmospheric Pressure
• Vacuum [Practical Demo]

The Development of The Steam Engine
LOW PRESSURE ENGINES

• 1680 Papins Engine
• 1698 Savery Engine
• 1712 Newcomen's Atmospheric Engine - Pumping Water from Mines [Practical Demo]
• 1765 The Watt Condensor
• 1774 The Watt Engine
• The Lap Engine - Boulton and Watt

HIGH PRESSURE ENGINES (40 - 50 PSI) [Practical Demo]

• 1769 Cugnot "fardier - Steam Wagon"
• 1788 Fitch's Steam-Boat
• 1807 Fulton Paddlewheel
• 1804 Pennydarren Rail Engine by Trevethick
• 1912 Stanley Steamer - world speed record holder

Applications of Steam Power

• Transportation
  • Economic Development
  • Resource Exploitation
  • Cultural Development
  • War
• Machines vs. Hand Labor
  • Factories
  • Lumber
  • Mining
  • Construction

MODERN STEAM ENGINES

• Power Plants Coal / Gas
  • Turbine Engine
• Nuclear Power
  • Energy
  • Navy Ships and Submarines
• The Future of External Combustion...
  • the Cyclone Steam Engine

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