How Does it Work?

Steam Engine Development

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There have been many books, articles and web pages covering all aspects of steam and steam engines etc. Most of these assume that the reader knows and understands the basic principles and terminology used.
Since, as far as I know, these principles are no longer taught there are probably lots of people out there (especially the younger generation) who would like to know, in simple terms, how steam engines and there asssociated components work. It is with this in mind that I am producing these pages. I therefore make no apologies for some of the basic content.

Steam is generated, under pressure, in a boiler. From the boiler the steam enters the cylinder at the front of the piston, through the port A. This is called the INLET PORT or STEAM PORT.

The pressure of the steam pushes the piston, along the cylinder, in the direction of arrow C

The steam at the back of the piston, (from the previous stroke), is pushed out through port B. This is called the EXHAUST PORT.

As the piston, moves along the cylinder so does the piston rod, which is fixed to the crosshead. The crosshead keeps the piston, and piston rod, moving horizontally.

Also fastened to to the crosshead is one end of the connecting rod. The other end is fastened to the crank.

As the piston rod and crosshead move backwards and forwards, the connecting rod causes the crank, crankshaft and flywheel to rotate in the direction shown.