Steam engine out of coke can help

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a project involving a steam engine car utilizing a soda can as a boiler. The participant, an undergraduate mechanical engineering student, seeks clarification on the mechanics of steam driving a piston and the necessity of a valve in the system. Resources shared include a YouTube video demonstrating the engine and links to additional educational content on steam engines. The project aims to design a functional steam engine car based on these principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic thermodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with steam engine mechanics
  • Knowledge of pressure testing techniques
  • Basic mechanical design skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operation of double-acting steam engines
  • Learn about steam pressure and its effects on piston movement
  • Explore valve mechanisms in steam engines
  • Investigate materials suitable for building a small-scale steam engine
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mechanical engineering students, hobbyists interested in steam engine design, and anyone looking to understand the principles of steam power and its applications in small-scale projects.

krelian1
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi, my first post. So brief presentation, I'm an undergraduate mechanical engineer student.
I hope this doesn't actually fall in homework, but it's a project that I have this semester: a steam engine car (small). I've made a bit of research and I ended up discovering the following "engine":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brf0Ga0wnRc

Like in this video, I am provided with a soda can that acts as the boiler which has a nozzle attached to it and also pressure tested. As for the rest of the car and system, i am suppose to design it. But this steam engine is very inspiring. Anyone can explain me how this system is actually made? What I can't figure out is how the steam actually drives the piston inside. Also, is the valve necessary?

Thanks in advance =).
 
Engineering news on Phys.org

Thread 'Hydraulic Cylinder Held In Place Until Needed'

I have encountered a vertically oriented hydraulic cylinder that is designed to actuate and slice heavy cabling into sections with a blade. The cylinder is quite small (around 1.5 inches in diameter) and has an equally small stroke. The cylinder is single acting (i.e. it is pressurized from the bottom, and vented to atmosphere with a spring return, roughly 200lbs of force on the spring). The system operates at roughly 2500 psi. Interestingly, the cylinder has a pin that passes through its...
View full post »

Similar threads

On-demand steam engine idea
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Superheater - pressure and temperature distribution
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
How Does Recirculation Work in Steam Engines?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Crower steam expansion stroke for two stroke/rotary engines
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Steam engines -- A new idea, maybe....
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Automotive As a mechanical project we have been asked to design a micro steam car
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Steam generation for an experiment
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Kelvin-Planck 2nd Law of Thermo & a Syringe Steam Engine
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Undergrad Measuring Steam Condensate from my Steam Cleaner
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
A practical way to vaporize fuel for high MPG?
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
2K