Archimedes’ screw
device · 250 BC · Ancient world
A screw inside a tube that lifts water as it turns.
What it is made of
- Helical screw blade — has part. A spiral that lifts water as it turns.
- Screw casing tube — has part. It wraps around the blade.
- Crank — has part. A handle or rotary drive.
Principles and materials it uses
- Screw — uses. A rotating helical surface lifts water.
- Wood — is made of. The Archimedes’ screw is wooden.
Where it is used
- Irrigation — is used in. The Archimedes’ screw lifted water for irrigation.
History: what it evolved from and what it influenced
- Propeller — evolved into. The first propellers by Smith and Ericsson were a variation on the Archimedes’ screw.
- Auger — evolved into. The Archimedes’ screw as a conveyor.
What it is a kind of
- Simple machine — is a kind of. A classic example of using the screw.