12746 Hero's Engine - info

(c) STE UK Ltd

There is little known about Hero of Alexandria. Even his date of birth and death are unknown. He lived some time between 150 BC and 300 AD. There is also some debate as to whether he actually invented the two devices which bear his name: Hero's Fountain and Hero's Engine. 

Hero's Engine is today a generic name for any device which propels itself by shooting steam from one or more orifices. These devices are also known as Eolipiles. 

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the conversion of heat energy into rotary motion, and to demonstrate angular momentum.   

DESCRIPTION: Use a flame torch to boil water inside the flask that hangs from a swivel hook.  The boiler is only partially filled with water and heated until steam is produced. The steam emerges from right-angle arms on the side of the boiler, causing the boiler to rotate in the direction opposite to that of the emerging steam.

SAFETY WARNING:  

This apparatus is for use by a qualified teacher only & a full risk assessment must be conducted evaluating the possible risk due to damaged or broken glass and disposal. Also the use of a naked flame and boiling water presents a hazard. Due consideration must be given to the safety of individuals witnessing the demonstration. If in any doubt contact STE before operation

Assembly of the STE Hero’s Engine

SPECIAL NOTE: The arms and boiling vessel of the engine are delicate and extreme care must be taken to avoid damage and injury from sharp edges if broken. Use glass handling gloves which will also help to protect against burns.

1.     Remove metal base and support legs assembly from packaging.

2.     Place the base on a flat surface with the support legs unwrapped ready for positioning.

3.     Ease the two black plastic knobs without completely withdrawing them from the base.

4.     Fit both support legs by sliding angled slotted feet under the black plastic knobs and tighten securely.

5.     Fill a bowl with cold water and submerse the glass engine at an angle which allows the ingress of water into the vessel. FOR SAFETY DO NOT FILL MORE THAN ½ THE CAPACITY OF THE VESSEL.

6.     Rest the vessel with the water in it on the top of the support legs.

7.     Place an unlit night light, or tea light candle under the glass vessel. Position it so as the wick is directly under the vessels spherical boiler. NEVER USE A BUNSEN BURNER OR ANY OTHER POWERFUL GAS TORCH – GENTLE HEATING IS REQUIRED FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE APPARATUS, THE OPERATOR AND THE VEIWERS OF THE DEMONSTRATION.

8.     Light the candle in order to slowly heat the water inside the vessel.

9.    When the water reaches boiling point steam will be evolved and will exit the vessel via the arms. This will cause the whole of the glass vessel to rotate. AVOID TOO MUCH SPEED AS THIS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE VESSEL OR CAUSE IT TO LIFT FROM THE SUPPORT LEGS.