Newcomen engine
device · 1712 · Early modern era
The first practical atmospheric steam engine, for pumping water out of mines.
Inventor: Thomas Newcomen.
What it is made of
- Piston — has part. Atmospheric pressure moves the piston.
- Boiler — has part. Steam from the boiler.
- Piston pump — has part. The beam drove a mine pump.
Principles and materials it uses
- Vacuum — uses. Condensing the steam creates a vacuum under the piston.
- Coal mine — uses. Pumping water out of mines.
- Cast iron — is made of. The cylinder is cast iron.
- Brass — is made of. The first cylinders were brass.
History: what it evolved from and what it influenced
- Watt steam engine — evolved into. Watt improved Newcomen’s engine.
- Pressure cooker — was inspired by. Papin’s experiments with steam and a piston preceded Newcomen’s engine.