

It is a screw inside a fairly tight-fitting cylinder. It is a type of pump used for raising water up. This energy efficient machine is nothing short of a plausible option in this regard.Archimedes' screw was operated by hand and could raise water efficientlyĪrchimedes' screw is a machine. In today’s world of diminishing natural sources of energy, scientists are desperately researching alternative energy sources. This simple device having a pumping action is a useful invention in Physics, which has stood the test of time. Their ability to melt materials find applications in die casting machines, injection molding machines and the extrusion of plastics. Such screws are used for compacting waste materials. Some might have gradually increasing number of turns along their lengths. It is not necessary for all Archimedes’ Screws to have the same number of turns per unit length. It can be used as a conveyor when turned by a motor to move granular materials like food grains, plastic granules and liquids from one place to another. Loose granular materials can flow through it as well. Archimedes’ Screw ConveyorĪn Archimedes’ screw not only allows water to flow through its turns. The generator then converts the rotating mechanical energy of the screw to electrical energy. The energy stored in this flow of water is used to rotate the screw, which, in turn, revolves a generator attached to the base of the screw. In this case, water is allowed to enter into the screw from its topmost end at high speed. When used as a hydroelectric screw turbine, the tool works in the reverse order. However, in modern times, it has wider applications in the sectors of hydro-electric power generation and renewable sources of energy. In ancient times, it found its use mainly in irrigating fields and as a water pump. Archimedes’ Screw Archimedes’ Screw in History The contact surface or the contact points between the screw and the hollow pipe need not be airtight if the amount of water to be drawn out is much larger than the amount of water leaking out from the contact points. Finally, the water pours out of the tube from its upper opening. On setting it up at an angle with the water level and turning the shaft manually or by a windmill, the water raises up the helical structure of the screw to the top end. Archimedes’ Screw Design:Īrchimedes’ screw consists of a screw, which is nothing but a helical surface wound around a cylindrical shaft, fitted inside a hollow pipe. Its invention is attributed to the famous Greek scientist and mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse in the 3 rd century B.C., on his visit to Egypt.

A device known as Archimedes’ Screw came to aid in this hour of need. However, in ancient times, lifting up water to great heights was a matter of concern. In today’s age, people living in tall buildings seldom worry about how ground water is lifted to their apartments.
