2007-10-03 08:29:42 · 13 answers · asked by kellyn 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Thomas Newcomen in 1712 made a very crude steam operated pump -- the first one to be used commercially to pump water out of coal mines.
James Watt, the Scottish engineer/inventor is credited with inventing the first practical steam engine in 1769.
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2007-10-03 08:33:37 · answer #1 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The majority of people will tell you that the steam engine was invented by James Watt. But, this is far from the truth. Like all other great inventions and great discoveries, the steam engine came about after centuries of work by numerous scientists, engineers and even writers. It came from a compilation of work and theories that took centuries to complete.
The idea using the power of steam to our advantage goes back nearly twenty-one centuries. A learned writer in ancient Alexandria, named Hero, wrote a manuscript describing various devices and ideas of the time. Although it is not proven that Hero was the inventor of any of these devices, he is given credit for the earliest mention of steam power. Hero describes a method to open the doors of a temple with the action of a fire on the alter at the front of the temple.
The essential principle that Hero used was to change heat energy into mechanical energy or work. Supposedly, Hero continued his work and ended up creating what is often called the "First Steam Engine."
2007-10-04 07:28:51 · answer #2 · answered by Chariotmender 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heron, an ancient Greek, is credited with inventing a steam turbine but since it was not put to any practical purpose, it could not be regarded as an "engine". James Watt did NOT invent the steam engine. He invented the external condenser which was applied to the engine invented by Newcomen.
Strictly speaking, Watt and Newcomen had nothing to do with "steam" engines at all. Their expertise rested with "atmospheric" engines whereby condensing steam caused a partial vacuum in the cylinder which drew the piston down. It was Richard Trevithwick who invented the true steam engine where the power of expanding steam was applied directly to the piston.
2007-10-03 15:49:17 · answer #3 · answered by Jellicoe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Newcomen built the first stationery engines in Cornwall for pumping water from the mines. These were very inefficient though practical. James Watt invented the condenser which when attached to steam engines made them much more efficient. Without Watt's invention it is doubtful whether a viable steam locomotive could have been built.
2007-10-03 15:44:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
While Howe and Watt made the first modern steam engines, Archimedes first demonstrated steam powered motion
2007-10-03 17:00:22 · answer #5 · answered by Pappy D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not forget Hero of Alexandria about 1700 years ago. He invented a Children's toy powered by steam that spun round on an axis when heated. Good luck with your studies.
2007-10-03 15:43:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hero of Alexandria made a steam jet turn a sphere a hell of a long time before those other no hope deadlegs like Trevithick and Newcomen.
2007-10-05 15:04:57 · answer #7 · answered by L D 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't forget Richard Trethivick. I think he made the first steam train. Cugnot, a frenchman made the first steam vehicle.
2007-10-03 15:36:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_engine#Invention_and_development
I know someone's probably given you the answer already, but you should use Wikipedia for your homework. There's the link hat you need to check out to find out what you need to know. It's much moer fulfilling to find stuff out on your own!
Lol... I can't talk tho... I tried to get Yahoo Answers to do my Business homework... nobody would do it! Lol.
2007-10-03 15:39:23 · answer #9 · answered by NONAME 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The link below might be of some help
2007-10-03 15:36:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋