Throughout history humans have always battled with the problem of having more work to do than they are physically capable of. Eventually humans discovered that they can harness the power of other things, such as wind, to make it possible for them to accomplish more. An even more efficient form of energy, however, is using heat as a form of power.The first efficient way of harnessing this power was through engines that used steam. These engines burned coal and though more efficient than their counterparts, left much to be desired.A better way was forged in 1877 when Nicolaus Otto used a four stroke cycle theory to create a combustible engine. This new engine used a much easier to handle fuel, gasoline.Improvements upon engines were made and by the 1890s there were four types of engines being used: oil engine with hot bulb vaporizer, steam engine, gas engine for stationary use, and a rapidly improving gasoline engine. All of these engines used the same principle to work but were fairly inefficient.Rudolf Diesel was convinced he could build a better engine and he worked tirelessly to build an internal combustion engine that would be efficient. After much trial and error, he revealed the most efficient engine at that time.Engines have made vast improvements since their early inventions. They are now used to power everyday items such as city busses, trucks, cars and farming equipment to more powerful items such as submarines and navy ships which improve the lives and safety of Americans everywhere.
Included Films:
Diesel Story
Diesel Story
Produced: 1952
Length: 20 Minutes
Throughout history humans have always battled with the problem of having more work to do than they are physically capable of. Eventually humans discovered that they can harness the power of other things, such as wind, to make it possible for them to accomplish more. An even more efficient form of energy, however, is using heat as a form of power.The first efficient way of harnessing this power was through engines that used steam. These engines burned coal and though more efficient than their counterparts, left much to be desired.A better way was forged in 1877 when Nicolaus Otto used a four stroke cycle theory to create a combustible engine. This new engine used a much easier to handle fuel, gasoline.Improvements upon engines were made and by the 1890s there were four types of engines being used: oil engine with hot bulb vaporizer, steam engine, gas engine for stationary use, and a rapidly improving gasoline engine. All of these engines used the same principle to work but were fairly inefficient.Rudolf Diesel was convinced he could build a better engine and he worked tirelessly to build an internal combustion engine that would be efficient. After much trial and error, he revealed the most efficient engine at that time.Engines have made vast improvements since their early inventions. They are now used to power everyday items such as city busses, trucks, cars and farming equipment to more powerful items such as submarines and navy ships which improve the lives and safety of Americans everywhere.
