Steam Engines By Katelyn Warga 2nd Period - 947 Words

Steam Engines By Katelyn Warga 2nd Period Being around for over 2000 years, the steam engine has proved its worth. Invented in the industrial revolution, â€Å"this heat engine performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid.† Throughout its time the steam engine has had many uses, and been modified many times to change its pronounced task. This had led to the steam engine being a very important invention in the industrial revolution, changing life in social and economic ways that still impact today. The steam engine drove the world into an era of â€Å"big business† and production that is still evident today. What is a Steam Engine? A steam engine is a type of engine known as external combustion. In general, water is heated into steam†¦show more content†¦The condensed steam would create a vacuum, and add pressurized steam to move water. In 1712, Thomas Newcomen took this idea and built on it, creating the â€Å"atmospheric engine†. It was the first engine that used a piston, and was made for pumping in mines. But the first moving steam engine came into play when James Watt patented a continuous rotary motion steam engine. It could be fueled by water, coal, or wood. It had the capability to power manufacturing machines. This allowed factories to locate in areas where no constant water source was available. Later, they could be applied to locomotives and traction engines. Why was the Steam Engine Invented? The steam engine’s initial use was for pumping mines back in the 1700’s. As technology evolved and rotaries were applied, the engine was capable of much more. They could power factory machines such as power looms and spinning mules. They later in the 1900’s powered modes of transportation such as steamboats, railway locomotives, and cars. They lead to the widespread use of looms in factories, driving change and the industrial revolution. The steam engine’s overall use was to power things. How does the Steam Engine Change Our Lives Today? The steam engine has had major impacts on society, and not just during the industrial revolution. It’s creation still affects us even today. Back then, the invention of the steam locomotive spread fast and