Thinking i might have to make a steam engine but one that really has some power so what is really neaded Bore / Stroke / Pressure also it needs to be self starting . I know a double acting twin cylinder will self start but will a double acting single cylinder self start there is nothing worse than after you make something you say if only i had done this or that. Your thoughts would be welcome
The only way a single double-acting cylinder will be selfstarting, is if it stops in the correct position(s) for starting, every time it is shut off.
Older Jensen 10īs are well known for doing so, when adjusted accordingly, as the magnets on the crankshaft mounted generator, will stop the rotation at the same spot(s) every time.
Hi Ron, if you look in the files sharing area on the forum, myself an Frazer have posted links to various pages of free plans.
Have fun and good luck in what you choose to build.
The only way a single double-acting cylinder will be selfstarting, is if it stops in the correct position(s) for starting, every time it is shut off.
Older Jensen 10īs are well known for doing so, when adjusted accordingly, as the magnets on the crankshaft mounted generator, will stop the rotation at the same spot(s) every time.
I never thought about that before Jan, but I know your correct (something to keep in my memory bank)
Ref#3 like many people i never knew that very clever would be nice to see a pic. Hopefully you will see later i like steam cars and one i`m building at the moment under air it just works and suggested under steam it will be OK. i.e. more pressure so really it`s the power side i really have to understand.
What makes a powerful engine is a powerful steam supply, that means a big burner and a boiler that can use it.
Good luck with the project.
I have asked myself the same question , often, and what is repeatedly demonstrated
to me , is that multi cylinders are for show , not go !!!.
A moderately long stroke single cylinder , single actor, with a fairly heavy Flywheel
with a bigger than average diameter.
Boilers and burners are another subject altogether.
Trev.
What if i simply increased the pressure in the boiler
What if i simply increased the pressure in the boiler
increasing boiler pressure has little to do with self starting, sometimes if the cylinder is close to the pressure stroke more pressure can help nudge it over. the power of your engine relies on your boiler nearly entirely, now a quality & precision build does help you get by with less boiler pressure/volume , everything on a steam engine works in harmony with all parts, just being slightly out of time can make all the difference in the world for example.
Thanks Bruce i think now i have a fair understanding of the self starting when it comes to power i may have to rephrase the question. When a steam engine is running and you put your finger on the flywheel and the engine just stops-- if you can put your finger on the flywheel with a little pressure and the engine keeps running that`s my idea of power. Presently i have made myself a steam car which so far runs on air and i assume it should run on steam (not tried yet waiting on weather) but if when engine is running and i lower it to the ground and the wheels stop what are my options.
Your own car design - cool.
What sort of gear ratio are you using and what sort of cylinder? (sorry readings poor at the moment)
I ask as the Mamod steam car, which is rather underpowered, has a double reduction and the cylinder goes like the clappers.
Stanley Steamer posted in this forum under Technical tips, builds,help but if you wanted to follow the build you will have to go to the unofficial Mamod steam site same section. What you say about the Mamod roadster i find interesting what i used is a small micro v twin still to steam it hoping to get some figures so that someone will understand and be able to help if things go wrong. Ratio 60 : 1 using a worm drive
you can do many things with either displacement or gearing....or both, a very small engine with the proper gearing can perform well albeit maybe slowly if the displacement isn't there & your relying on low/slow gearing.
Bruce again many thanks for your encouraging remarks i do realise that the key will be choosing the correct size gear problem is i don`t think anyone has done this before i.e. worm drive so for me it will be trial and error. Good news the small pressure gauge i ordered has arrived this morning so i will be able to tell pressures from my little compressor and boiler ( will need to make adaptor first ) and to top all that the Sun is shinning this morning surely i`ll get something done.
Best regards