Steam locomotive components

High school (ages 12+)
Transportation

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/steam-locomotive-components

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the thermodynamic cycle?Rankine cycle, involving vaporization, expansion, condensation, and pumping of water
2. What is the tractive effort calculation?Dependent on cylinder diameter, stroke length, driving wheel diameter, and boiler pressure
3. What is the boiler in a steam locomotive?The boiler is the heart of the train, where fire heats water to make steam that powers the engine.
4. How does the steam turn the wheels?Steam pushes pistons inside cylinders, and the pistons move rods that turn a crank, which makes the driving wheels spin.

Superheating: Heating steam above its saturation temperature after it leaves the boiler for increased efficiency.
Articulated Locomotive: A locomotive with two or more sets of driving wheels and cylinders that can pivot independently.
Blastpipe: A nozzle in the smokebox that directs exhaust steam upwards, creating a draft for the fire.