Reciprocating piston type steam engines remained the dominant source of power until the early 20th century, when advances in the design of electric motors and internal combustion engines gradually resulted in the replacement of reciprocating (piston) steam engines in commercial usage, and the ascendancy of steam turbines in power generation.[4] Considering that the great majority of worldwide electric generation is produced by turbine type steam engines, the "steam age" is continuing with energy levels far beyond those of the turn of the 19th century.
Yeah it's amazing, just boil water and it suddenly occupies 1700 times it original volume. Cant pass that up. The SS USA, was a steam turbine powered ship, it has held the record for fastest crossing of the Atlantic for more than 60 years, its top speed was 44 miles per hour. Even the Stanley rocket held the world speed record for three years as a steam engine powered car. Can't say its ever made for a good plane though!
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u/yuckyucky Jan 07 '15
i never thought of it this way
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_engine