To build a steam engine, you need an empty can, metal tubes, beaded chain, rubbing alcohol, wooden dowels, and a flat piece of wood. The engine has three components: a source of heat, a boiler, and an engine unit. The steam engine was revolutionary due to its ease of use and transportability, and it fueled […]
Steam locomotives were once the primary mode of land transportation and have been replaced by diesel and electric locomotives. Model steam engines are collected and maintained by hobbyists, ranging in size from finger-width to carrying human passengers. Model railroaders build miniature trains and layouts, with standardized scales identified by letters. Live steam enthusiasts create models […]
A heat engine converts heat into mechanical work by passing through a hot source and a cold sink in a specific thermodynamic cycle. Examples include steam engines and gas turbines. Efficiency depends on the temperature difference, and is limited by the cold sink’s temperature. The efficiency of heat engines varies, with car engines achieving around […]
A wax motor is a cheap linear actuator used in appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. It consists of a wax block, plunger, and heat source. It operates by heating the wax, causing the plunger to move. Wax motors are preferred over magnetic solenoids due to their smoother operation, low maintenance, and resistance to failure. […]
The engine department is crucial for the maintenance and operation of a US merchant ship’s equipment, including sewage, air conditioning, lighting, and water. Entry-level roles include cleaner and wiper, while QMED positions include electrician, machinist, and refrigeration technician. Licensed positions include first, second, and third assistant engineer, with the chief engineer being in charge of […]
Stationary motors power equipment in a fixed location. Diesel versions are the most common, used for water pumping or electrical generation. They were used in manufacturing plants, assembly lines, and cable cars. Farms use them for irrigation pumps and power plants generate electricity. A stationary motor is one that is mounted in a permanent location […]
Motorcycle engines typically have one to six cylinders and can be fuel injected, carbureted, or turbocharged. They are designed to achieve maximum power at high RPMs and are prone to mechanical problems such as overheating and fuel delivery issues. Harley Davidson’s V-twin engine is air-cooled, while some modern designs use exotic alloys and space-age technology. […]
A booster motor can be added to a steam locomotive to drive the trailing wheels for extra traction and power. They were most widely used in the US and Australia on steep or hilly lines, but were not universally used due to the extra cost and complexity. The steam supply and mechanical connection required for […]
Air-powered motors convert air energy into motion and are used in various tools and engines, including mining trains and commercial airliners. Angelo Di Pietro developed the first air motor for cars, and companies like Energy Transport, Engine Air, and K’Airmobiles are currently experimenting with air engines for cars. Air-powered cars could greatly reduce environmental damage […]
Water-cooled engines use a mixture of antifreeze and water to cool the engine through a radiator, while air-cooled engines have cooling fins. Antifreeze lubricates the water pump and should be changed every few years. Racing vehicles with water-cooled engines must use only water due to the slippery nature of antifreeze. A water-cooled engine uses liquid […]
Gas turbine engines use pressurized gas to turn a turbine and compressor, with fuel being ignited to increase temperature and pressure. The Norwegian engineer Aegidius Elling patented the gas turbine in 1884. The main parts are the compressor, combustion area, and turbine, with a shaft connecting the compressor and turbine. Gas turbine engines have advantages […]
An engine thermostat regulates coolant flow in liquid-cooled engines, and can warm up the engine quickly. A typical thermostat is made up of a spring-loaded valve actuated by a wax pellet. A stuck thermostat can cause poor fuel economy, overheating, and other problems. Replacing a thermostat is usually easy. An engine thermostat is a component […]
A turbine engine converts energy into mechanical motion by directing high-pressure gases over turbine blades attached to a central shaft. It has fewer moving parts than a piston engine and can run at higher speeds. It is used to power various vehicles and has several advantages over piston engines. The widely accepted definition of a […]
The AW engine is an internal combustion engine that mimics a V engine but has a W shape, allowing for more power without taking up too much space. The first W engine was created in 1906 and has since advanced to contain up to a W16. The Volkswagen Group produced the first working W engine […]
The H engine is a slim internal combustion engine with cylinders forming the letter “H,” often used in locomotives and propeller-driven aircraft. Some automobile manufacturers also use the term “H engine” to designate inline four or six-cylinder engines, but these have no design relationship to the H-shaped engine. The most notable use of the H […]
Horizontal engines have cylinders that travel horizontally with the ground, like the Volkswagen Beetle’s air-cooled four-cylinder engine, which Porsche and General Motors also used. A flat-plane crankshaft allows for high-performance operation, but overheating can be a problem. Aircraft and motorcycles also use horizontal engines, but external oil coolers are recommended for severe service. A horizontal […]
A straight engine has cylinders arranged in a line and is used in cars with four or six cylinders. Fuel and air ignite in the cylinder, causing the piston to move up and down, which is translated into rotary motion to propel the vehicle forward. It is ideal for smaller car designs with short hoods […]
Jet engines perform better at higher altitudes due to reduced air density and drag. Turbine engines produce high thrust at low altitudes but have better efficiency at 100% power. Specific fuel consumption is used to measure engine performance and is important for multi-engine aircraft in case of engine failure. Jet or turbine engines provide power […]
Turboprop engines power aircraft with an outer propeller and are commonly used in smaller planes. The first true turboprop engine was developed in Hungary, while the UK and US developed mass-marketed models for military and private use. The engine includes a turbine, intake, combustion chamber, compressor, and propulsion nozzle. Turboprop engines are a form of […]
Motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to act on a load. It’s important to match the engine load to the engine to avoid damage or inefficiency. Motors can be classified by power, voltage, current, and temperature. Oversized motors are an unnecessary expense, while undersized motors can cause damage. Motors can be designed for continuous […]
