1. Boiling Water: Water is heated in a boiler until it reaches its boiling point and turns into steam. The boiler is a closed container that can withstand the high pressure and temperature of the steam.
2. Steam Generation: As water boils, steam bubbles form and rise to the top of the boiler. The steam is then directed into the cylinder, which is a cylindrical chamber where the piston moves.
3. Steam Pressure: The steam fills the cylinder and exerts pressure on the piston. Steam pressure is the force per unit area exerted by the steam. The higher the temperature and volume of the steam, the greater the pressure it exerts.
4. Piston Movement: The steam pressure pushes against the piston, causing it to move in a linear motion. The piston is connected to a piston rod, which in turn is connected to the crankshaft. As the piston moves, it converts the linear motion into rotary motion, which is used to power the machinery.
5. Exhaust Valve: Once the piston reaches the end of its stroke, the exhaust valve opens to release the used steam from the cylinder. This helps maintain a constant pressure difference between the steam in the cylinder and the atmospheric pressure outside.
6. Reciprocating Motion: The piston moves back and forth in the cylinder, alternately pushing against the steam and allowing the exhaust valve to release it. This reciprocating motion is what drives the crankshaft and generates power.
In summary, the exerted pressure on the piston in a steam engine is caused by the steam pressure generated by the boiling water. The steam exerts force on the piston, which in turn converts the linear motion into rotary motion to power various machinery and devices.
