What was the mechanical source of power that drove the piston down during the working stroke of Newcomen's engine?
Answer
The atmospheric pressure pressing down on the piston head into the created void
The Newcomen atmospheric engine derived its primary power stroke not from pushing, but from being pulled down by the environment. After steam filled the cylinder and was condensed by internal injection, a powerful vacuum was created beneath the piston. The atmospheric pressure—the weight of the air pressing down on the outside of the piston head—was significantly greater than the near-zero pressure inside the void. This external atmospheric force was what drove the piston downward, executing the work stroke which powered the pump rod attached to the opposite end of the beam.
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