Which action constituted the actual working stroke of the Newcomen engine cycle?
Answer
The piston moving downward due to atmospheric pressure pushing on the open top.
The Newcomen engine operated in a distinct cycle relying on pressure differential. The step that performed the actual useful work—pumping water out of the mine sump—was the downstroke. This occurred immediately after the steam inside the cylinder was condensed by a cold water spray, creating a vacuum. With the top open to the air, the immense external atmospheric pressure drove the piston down. This powered descent of the piston caused the opposing end of the large beam to rise, thereby lifting the attached water pump rods out of the sump.
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