The Aeolipile

By: Rahul Kisseur.

Mechanical Theory Fundamentals.
  The aeolipile also know as the “wind ball” is a
simple steam engine.

What is An  It is the first known mechanical device to

transform steam into rotary motion.
Aeolipile?  It demonstrates the basic principle of Newton’s
Third Law. “For every action there is an equal
and opposite reaction”
The Aeolipile..
It is a sealed caldron of
water that is placed
over a heat source. As
the water boils, steam
rises, and pressure
starts to build. The
steam then forces its
way into the pipes and
into the hollow sphere.
It then escapes from two
bent outlet tubes on the
sphere, resulting in
rotation of the sphere.
 The Aeolipile was invented in the 1st Century AD, by
History of the

Heron of Alexandria who was a mathematician and
an engineer.
Aeolipile.  After that era the aeolipile was forgotten for about
1500 years until a version of the aeolipile was used
by the Spanish to power paddle-wheels at the back
of boats to propel it forward. However, this was
dangerous and was quickly stopped.
 The principle of the aeolipile was then used again in
the 1700s for the industrial revolution around the
world. This is where steam were transferred into
kinetic energy which were used to power trains at
that time.
The Uses and Application of the Aeolipile.

 The aeolipile was invented for a few particular reasons, as seen below:
 1. For amusement purposes. (as a toy).
 2. As a novelty which mean, he wanted to create something new.
 3. As a lesson for teaching the principle newton’s third Law.
 In today’s world the principle of the aeolipile is being used at nuclear power
plants. Nuclear power plants uses heat to create steam which drives turbines
which in turn produce electricity.
 The Aeolipile or The First Steam Engine.

Advantages
 1. A steam engine could be located
anywhere. It does not require any
environmental factors, to work.
 2. It can be used at anytime because
steam can be produced anywhere.
 3. A steam engine is much more powerful
than watermill and wind mill energy.
 4. It can use any combustible material for
fuel. Anything in the surroundings can be
used as fuel because it is easily available.
Disadvantages
 1. It is very bad for the environment.
 2. It cannot start at a moments notice.
 3. It is very unsafe to use because of the
build up of pressure. It can cause the an
explosion.
 4. A steam engine has very low efficiency.
It is calculated that only 20% on the total
energy is used, the rest of the energy gets
loss to the environment.
 .
Conclusion.

 The attached link is a short video on the basic operation of an Aeolipile.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=391eIkqKzEM

 Any Questions????

 Thank you.