Horizontal Pistons: Outside IC Engines?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and applications of horizontal pistons outside of internal combustion (IC) engines. Participants explore various mechanisms and contexts where such pistons might be utilized, including pumps and steam locomotives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether horizontal pistons can function outside of an IC engine.
  • Another participant suggests that horizontal pistons could be used in pumps.
  • A third participant notes that steam locomotives effectively utilized horizontal pistons.
  • There is an expression of confusion from one participant regarding the initial question, leading to a clarification about the interpretation of "outside of an IC engine."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the original question, and there are varying views on the applications of horizontal pistons beyond IC engines.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of "outside of an IC engine" and the specific applications of horizontal pistons remain unresolved.

Jones1987
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Can these work outside of an IC engine? The mechanism to move something left and right (Forward and back)
 
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You mean like a pump? Of course.
 
Steam locomotives made excellent use of them.
[PLAIN]http://cdn.explainthatstuff.com/steam-engine-cylinder-piston.jpg
 
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I feel so retarded lol, thanks for the example. It's been one of those days haha
 
Jones1987 said:
I feel so retarded
Don't ever think that way.
The fact that you are asking questions proves that you're not "delayed"; the fact that you happened upon the best science site on the net is good fortune on your part.
I, in fact, didn't think of your question as cut-and-dried because I didn't know exactly what you were asking. Apparently, Average (:-p Gotcha again, pal) interpreted it properly. My first question would have been about the specifics of what you meant by "outside of an IC engine". A piston cannot work outside of a cylinder. That's the way that I first interpreted your post, because I take things literally. If you had said "aside from in an IC engine" then it would have been easier.
 

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