Industrial Revolution (1800’s-1940’s)
46 Watt Steam Engine & Combustion Engine
Jackson Morrissey and Zach Fahnle
introduction
Throughout the course of human history, science and technology have proved time and time again to be an underlying catalyst for key innovations. One invention that embodies the spirit of both science and technology is the steam engine and combustion engine. These two engines greatly influenced the Industrial Revolution leading to many new technologies that improved efficiency in the workplace and revolutionized humanity. The Watt Steam Engine and internal combustion engine were not only revolutionary at the time of their conception in the early 1800’s, but continue to be seen in many forms of technology such as modern-day trains and cars. Their continued use into today’s time shows the profound impact that one invention can have on the course of history. This impact is precisely what the study of science and technology is all about, and clearly demonstrates the implications that even small strides in innovation can benefit nearly all of humanity. From its humble beginnings in the 1800’s to worldwide mass production and travel, the Watt Steam and internal combustion engines have changed the way societies interact by leading to improvements in travel, changing the way energy is used efficiently, and sparking other inventions during the Industrial Revolution; the world as we know it would not be the same without the benefits provided by these two engines.
Energy
One of the developments that both the steam and combustion engines helped contribute to was the transformation of the way that energy was manipulated and utilized. There were many advancements before these two engines that revolutionized the way energy was used such as the windmill and water wheel. These inventions allowed the use of energy beyond simply what man could produce on their own and gave way to industrial advancements that changed the world. Another example of how energy was used is seen in the manipulation of animal power such as using oxen for farming, horses for carriages, and mules and donkeys as pack animals. The invention of the engines however increased production and efficiency exponentially higher than animal and wind/water power. By harnessing more of the energy output, and while also being reliable and affordable, the engine quickly became the easiest and most efficient piece of technology. This is true for both the steam and combustion engines however the specifics of the two differ slightly. For example, the combustion engine was more powerful with higher energy output, however, it came at a higher cost and also needed some form of liquid fuel to power (diesel, oil, gasoline, etc.); whereas the steam engine was more cost-effective, utilizing a cheaper fuel source (i.e. coal). The first version of the internal combustion engine, introduced by Etienne Lenoir in 1859, could power little more than a lamp and functioned using a revolutionary (albeit