ATMOSPHERIC RAILWAY Meaning and
Definition
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An atmospheric railway is a type of transportation system that utilizes pneumatic pressure to propel trains along tracks. Invented in the early 19th century, this unique railway system was primarily used during the Victorian era. Instead of traditional locomotives or steam engines, an atmospheric railway operates by creating a vacuum or pressure within a pipe or a trough located between the tracks. The vacuum is typically generated either by stationary steam engines or large air pumps.
The atmospheric railway functions through a continuous tube running alongside the tracks, which is partitioned by a sealing plate. The train, equipped with a piston or a seal, fits into the tube to form an airtight seal. When the vacuum is created in front of the train, it is propelled forward due to the atmospheric pressure behind it. Conversely, when pressure is applied behind the train, it moves forward by pushing against the vacuum at the opposite end.
The advantages of an atmospheric railway include the absence of traditional locomotives, reducing noise pollution and the risk of sparks that could cause fires. Additionally, it eliminates the requirement for tracks to be manned or leveled. However, this system also had its limitations, such as its dependence on weather conditions and the risk of leaks in the sealing plate.
Although the atmospheric railway system saw limited success and was eventually replaced by more efficient and reliable methods, it played a significant role in the development of modern railway technology and transportation infrastructure.
Common Misspellings for ATMOSPHERIC RAILWAY
- ztmospheric railway
- stmospheric railway
- wtmospheric railway
- qtmospheric railway
- armospheric railway
- afmospheric railway
- agmospheric railway
- aymospheric railway
- a6mospheric railway
- a5mospheric railway
- atnospheric railway
- atkospheric railway
- atjospheric railway
- atmispheric railway
- atmkspheric railway
- atmlspheric railway
- atmpspheric railway
- atm0spheric railway
- atm9spheric railway
- atmoapheric railway
Etymology of ATMOSPHERIC RAILWAY
The word "atmospheric" in "atmospheric railway" comes from the Latin word "atmosphaera", which is derived from the Greek words "atmos" meaning "vapor" or "air", and "sphaíra" meaning "sphere" or "orb". The term "atmospheric railway" was coined in the early 19th century to describe a type of railway propulsion system that utilized the power of atmospheric pressure, rather than traditional steam or mechanical engines, to move trains. This system relied on creating a vacuum or partial vacuum in a tube placed alongside the tracks, then using atmospheric pressure to push or pull a piston attached to the train. The concept was first proposed by George Medhurst in 1799 but saw limited implementation and was eventually replaced by more efficient steam locomotives.
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