Early experiments
As noted, one recorded rudimentary steam-powered engine was the aeolipile described by See more

Simple engine
In a simple engine, or "single expansion engine" the charge of steam passes through the entire … See more

Steam engines possess boilers and other components that are pressure vessels that contain a great deal of potential energy. Steam escapes and See more

The efficiency of an engine cycle can be calculated by dividing the energy output of mechanical work that the engine produces by the energy put into the engine.
The historical … See more

There are two fundamental components of a steam plant: the boiler or steam generator, and the "motor unit", referred to itself as a "steam engine". See more

Reciprocating piston
In most reciprocating piston engines, the steam reverses its direction of flow at each stroke (counterflow), entering and exhausting from the … See more

The Rankine cycle is the fundamental thermodynamic underpinning of the steam engine. The cycle is an arrangement of components as is typically used for simple power production, … See more