In this article, I am going to tell you the parts and working of steam engine. So friends, do you know when the steam engine came into the world? The steam engine was invent in 1776 and it is discover is James watt.
Steam engine is an external combustion engine where a double acting cylinder piston arrangement is present for rotating the fly wheel. The engine operates on the principle of 1st law of thermodynamics that is heat and work are usually converting in work.
In a reciprocating steam engine heat energy is use to generate steam which is further use to produce mechanical energy by converting the reciprocating motion into rotary motion.
In a reciprocating steam engine as the heat energy in the steam is convert into mechanical work by the reciprocating motion of the piston. It is also know as reciprocating steam engine.
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Parts of steam engine
Frame
It is a heavy cast iron part which supports all the stationary as well as moving parts and holds them in proper position. It generally rests on engine foundations.
Cylinder
It is also a cast iron cylindrical hollow vessel in which the piston reciprocates under the steam pressure both ends of the cylinder are closed and made steam tight.
Steam chest
It is an integral part of the cylinder. It supplies steam to the cylinder with the movement of D-Slide valve.
D – Slide valve
It moves in the steam chest with simple harmonic motion. and its function is to exhaust steam from the cylinder with proper movement.
Inlet and exhaust port
These are holes provided in the body of the cylinder for the movement of steam. The steam is admit from the steam chest alternatively to either sides of the cylinder through the inlet ports. So the steam after doing its work in the cylinder is exhaust through the exhaust port.
Piston
Its function is to convert heat energy of the steam into mechanical work. Piston rings are fitted in the grooves of the piston. So their purpose is to prevent the leakage of steam.
Piston rod
It is a circular rod which is connect to the piston on one side and cross head to the other. Its main function is to transfer motion to the cross head.
Cross head
It is a link between the piston rod and connecting rod. So its function is to guide motion of the piston rod and to prevent it from bending.
Connecting rod
It is make of forged steel, whose one end is connect to the cross head and the other to the crank. So its function is to convert reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion of the crank.
Crank shaft
It is the main shaft of the engine having a crank. The crank works on the lever principle and products rotary motion of the shaft. Hence the crank shaft is supported on main bearing of the engine.
Eccentric
It is generally made up cast iron, and is fitted to the crank shaft. So its function is to provide reciprocating motion to the D – Slide valve.
Flywheel
It is a heavy cast iron wheel, mounted on the crank shaft. So its function is to prevent the fluctuation of engine. and it also prevent the jerks to the crank shaft.
Eccentric rod and Valve rod
The eccentric rod is make of forged steel, whose one end is connect to the eccentric and other to the valve rod. So its function is to convert rotary motion of the crank shaft into to and fro motion of the valve rod.
The valve rod connects the eccentric and the D – Slide valve. Its function is to provide simple harmonic motion to the D – Slide valve.
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Working principle of steam engine
The superheated steam at a high pressure from the boiler is enter into the steam chest. after that the steam makes its way into the cylinder through any inlet ports depending upon the position of the D – Slide valve.
When port ‘A’ is open the steam rushes into the left side of the piston and forces it to the right side at this stage. The slide valve covers the exhaust port and another steam port. Since the pressure of the steam is greater on the left side thus the piston moves to the right side.
When the piston reaches near the end of the cylinder. The D – Slide valve closes the exhaust port and the steam port ‘A’ . The steam port ‘B’ is now open and the steam rushes to the right side of the piston.
This forces the piston to the left at the same time the exhaust steam goes out through the exhaust pipe and thus complete the cycle of operation.
So friends, from this article you got to know the parts and working of steam engine. and if you like this article share it with your friends so that they will also get information about steam engine, Thank you.