Build a Simple Steam Engine for Under Rs. 10

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and optimization of a simple steam engine made from inexpensive materials, specifically focusing on its design, efficiency, and potential applications. Participants explore the mechanics of the engine, including its operational principles and possible enhancements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their steam engine made from cardboard, syringes, and other low-cost materials, emphasizing its low cost of Rs. 10.
  • Another participant requests more details about the engine's workings and suggests ways to improve its economy and power.
  • Some participants agree on the engine's economical nature but express that increasing its power may raise costs.
  • Questions arise regarding the absence of valves in the design, with one participant noting that the engine operates as an oscillating engine, which does not require valves.
  • Concerns are raised about the mechanism of the piston movement, particularly regarding the need for an airtight piston to facilitate operation.
  • One participant suggests varying the mass of the flywheel to enhance the engine's performance by increasing momentum during the exhaust stroke.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the low cost of the steam engine and its basic operational principles, but there are multiple competing views regarding its efficiency, design features, and potential improvements. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal design and functionality of the engine.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of the current design, particularly concerning the airtightness of the piston and the implications of using a compressor versus manual air blowing.

ganuganu
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Hello everyone this is my first steam engine made using very simple parts like cardboard, disposable syringe, straw, pen end caps and bicycle spokes.

How much economical can you make your engine? Here it is costs only about Rs.10. Blowed air through mouth that's why produces lower rpm use compressor(i don't have one) iam sure it will give good results. Hope you all like my engine and video. Took nearly 20minutes to make the engine.
Cannot hold the breadth for long time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gLL4LSitE&list=UUMrDsjmztQSbx5IHa1WL9nw&index=1&feature=plcp
 
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That's nice. Can you detail out it some more? Then I can see how to help you making it more economical or more powerful. How does it wrk? I can see you have used no valves..
 
PhysicoRaj said:
Then I can see how to help you making it more economical ..
i think its already economical.
 
Yes, to make a steam engine out of those things, costing just 10 Rupees. But if it is made more powerful, u can have some use out of it. But this will make the cost go high.
 
PhysicoRaj said:
Yes, to make a steam engine out of those things, costing just 10 Rupees. But if it is made more powerful, u can have some use out of it. But this will make the cost go high.
I blowed air that's why it produces lower rpm, if compressor is used iam sure it gives good result and also be used for some application eg. power a LED.
 
What is the mechanism you used? I mean did you use the system of valves, etc. that are used in the original commercial steam engine? I didn't get to see how you built it in the video.
 
Its oscillating engine, valves are not required for this type.
 
So, after being pushed down by the blown air, the piston simply moves in the other stroke (upward stroke) just due to the momentum of the flywheel? Because, in the original one they use another fresh steam inlet to complete the other half of the rotation. If that is the case then I think you have not used an airtight piston so that it would facilitate the piston in the other stroke.
 
PhysicoRaj said:
So, after being pushed down by the blown air, the piston simply moves in the other stroke (upward stroke) just due to the momentum of the flywheel? Because, in the original one they use another fresh steam inlet to complete the other half of the rotation. If that is the case then I think you have not used an airtight piston so that it would facilitate the piston in the other stroke.
There is also another type of oscillating engine other than what you said. Here is the picture, i used this principle for my engine.
 

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  • 220px-Oscillating_cylinder.svg.png
    220px-Oscillating_cylinder.svg.png
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  • #10
That's a good idea.
 
  • #11
Try varying the mass of the flywheel to something a bit heavier and see if that helps keep it rotating by the increased momentum on the exhaust stroke.
Quite ingeniuos I must say.
 

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