My subjects are too rebellious!

The close cooperation between the cylinder and the piston is the key to the normal operation of the steam engine.

Craftsmen carefully make pistons and sealing rings according to the size and shape of the cylinder.

The piston is usually made of high temperature resistant wood, while the sealing ring is made of soft material to ensure the sealing effect.

During the production process, craftsmen will test the movement of the piston in the cylinder many times and adjust its size and shape to ensure a perfect fit with the cylinder.

The working principle of a steam engine is to use steam to push the piston in the cylinder.

Therefore, the construction of the steam chamber is also a crucial link.

Craftsmen set up steam inlets and outlets on one side of the cylinder and designed a complex steam pipe system to ensure that the steam can smoothly enter the cylinder and do work in it.

At the same time, they also set up a condensate discharge device to collect and discharge the water condensed from the final steam.

After countless times of polishing, adjustment and testing, the cylinder was finally assembled with the other parts of the steam engine.

The craftsmen started the steam engine and observed its operation.

They constantly adjust the flow and pressure of steam to optimize the performance of the steam engine.

Also pay close attention to the cylinder and piston seals and the efficiency of the steam chamber.

After a series of rigorous debugging and inspections, the steam engine finally roared on Daling Mountain.

The operation of a steam engine is a complex and delicate process of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. It mainly consists of several key steps, such as the generation of steam, the actual work of steam, the output of mechanical energy, and the condensation cycle of steam.

In a steam boiler, fuel, such as coal, natural gas or oil, is ignited and burns, releasing large amounts of heat energy.

This heat energy is used to heat water, causing the water to gradually heat up and boil, and eventually transform into high-temperature and high-pressure steam.

High-temperature and high-pressure steam is transported to the cylinder of the steam engine through pipes.

Inside the cylinder, the steam pushes the piston to reciprocate.

During this process, the pressure and temperature of the steam gradually decrease, and its kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy of the piston.

In some advanced steam engines, double-acting piston technology was used.

When the steam pressure on one side decreases, the steam on the other side can push the other piston to move, thereby achieving continuous work.

The movement of the piston is converted into rotational motion through the connecting rod and crankshaft, which in turn drives the machine to work.

The steam that has done work in the steam engine loses most of its energy and cools down to water. This water is collected by the condenser.

The collected water will be sent back to the steam boiler for heating, forming a cycle process.

During this process, the steam engine continuously converts thermal energy into mechanical energy, thus completing the energy conversion.

I actually don't understand these, I just looked up information.

............

On the other side, craftsmen from the Ministry of Industry were making cement.

Craftsmen put the limestone into a special kiln and calcine it at high temperature to decompose it into quicklime.

That is what is called calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.

This process, known as "calcined ash" in ancient times, is one of the key steps in making "cement".

The quicklime is then removed and properly stored for later use.

After obtaining quicklime, craftsmen will mix it with clay, fine sand and gravel in a certain proportion.

During this process, they will also add an appropriate amount of water and stir repeatedly to make the mixture fully uniform.

The mixture is then placed in a humid and ventilated environment for a long "aging" process.

This step is similar to the hydration reaction of modern cement, which causes the chemical components in the raw materials to undergo complex chemical reactions with the participation of water, gradually forming a substance with cementitious properties.

When the mixture matures to a certain degree, the craftsmen pour it into pre-prepared molds for paving roads.

Afterwards, the finished product is carefully maintained through measures such as sprinkling water to retain moisture, shading and wind protection, to ensure that it does not produce cracks or insufficient strength due to rapid water loss during the hardening process.

The "cement" that has been carefully made and maintained is not only strong and durable, but also has good adhesion and plasticity.

It is great for paving roads.

.........

It was just daybreak, and the first ray of sunlight from the east penetrated the mist, illuminating the busy construction site.

Inside the shed, the fire was burning brightly and the craftsmen were busy preparing for the day's work.

They were wearing coarse cloth clothes. The old craftsman Li Tiechui stood in the middle, holding a long stick, and was directing the young apprentices to mix lime and clay in proportion, and then slowly add clean water and stir evenly.

There was a peculiar, slightly pungent smell in the air.

As the sun rose higher, laborers and porters from all directions arrived at the construction site one after another.

Some of them carried stones on their shoulders, some carried sand in their hands, with sweat on their faces. Under the command of the foreman, they quickly divided into several teams, some were responsible for clearing the old road, and some began to lay the roadbed.

For a moment, the construction site was bustling with noise and activity.

When everything was ready, Li Tiechui took to the scene personally. Holding a special wooden rake, he spread the already matured cement evenly on the roadbed.

The cement is grayish white in color and looks ordinary, but it contains amazing power.

The laborers followed closely behind, smoothing the cement with wooden boards and then rolling it repeatedly with stone rollers to ensure that the road surface was firm and without gaps.

As the sun rose higher, the cement began to slowly solidify and tiny wisps of steam rose from the road surface.

As the afterglow of the setting sun fills the earth, a day's work is coming to an end.

At this time, a brand new cement road has been winding and stretching out before your eyes. It is flat and solid, like a silver ribbon connecting distant hopes and dreams.

The craftsmen stood on the roadside, looking at their masterpieces, with satisfied smiles on their faces.

And under Qin Chuan's urgent urging, the entire empire seemed to be pushed by an invisible force, accelerating forward.

Li Qiliang knew very well that it would be impossible to complete such a huge project in a short period of time relying solely on the craftsmen of the Ministry of Works and a small number of laborers.

So he conscripted a large number of laborers to participate in the road construction.

At the same time, the Minister of Revenue Heshen also actively allocated resources to ensure that the civilians' food and daily life were properly arranged in order to stabilize the people's hearts and improve work efficiency.

Local governments responded positively and issued conscription orders one after another.

At one time, farmers in the countryside, craftsmen in the city, and even ordinary people who made a living by fishing and hunting, all received the call to participate in road construction.

They either volunteered or were recruited by the government, and they all flocked to the road construction site.

With the addition of a large number of laborers, the scene on the construction site became even more spectacular.

The large team of laborers, under the command of the foreman, carried out the tasks in an orderly manner.

Some were responsible for carrying stones and sand, while others assisted craftsmen in laying cement roads.

Although they come from all over the world, they are united in thought and effort at this moment.