Can Mummies Be Used as Fuel for Steam Locomotives?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Tiger Blood
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fuel
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the myth that 19th-century steam locomotives utilized Egyptian mummies as fuel. Participants concluded that dried human flesh would be significantly less effective as a fuel source compared to coal, which burns hotter and longer. The topic was deemed inappropriate and ultimately led to the thread being closed due to its disturbing nature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of steam locomotive fuel sources
  • Knowledge of combustion properties of coal
  • Familiarity with historical myths and their cultural implications
  • Awareness of ethical considerations in historical discussions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the combustion properties of various fuels used in steam locomotives
  • Explore the historical context of myths surrounding ancient Egypt
  • Investigate the impact of fuel choice on steam locomotive efficiency
  • Learn about the ethical implications of discussing sensitive historical topics
USEFUL FOR

Historians, steam locomotive enthusiasts, and individuals interested in the intersection of myth and technology in historical contexts.

Tiger Blood
Messages
50
Reaction score
11
There was this myth that in 19th century steam locomotives used Egyptian mummies as fuel for steam locomotives, but in reality how good would dried human flesh be as that kind of a fuel for locomotive compared to coal?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That's a funny question that belongs in the fantasy/science fiction section. However, to answer your question I would say that coal burns hotter and longer.
 
We are not mythbusters here.

Plus, this is just a disturbing question. Thread closed, yuck!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn, osilmag and Wrichik Basu

Similar threads

Replies
53
Views
9K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K