Pistons were used to power other machines. These early pistons used water. Water was heated to form steam, the steam molecules accelerated violently colliding with the walls of the piston chamber and forcing the piston up. Such pistons were used on steam trains and in paddle steamers. Click to see a 400kb movie of a paddle steamer. The piston shaft was connected onto wheels or levers which formed part of machinery designed for useful work. Click to see a 400kb movie of steam driven pistons at work.

The animation on the right shows motion of a steam driven piston. Pressure is generated in the chamber by water molecules(steam) colliding with the walls. Such collisions push the piston shaft out which transmits the force to other parts of the machine it is attached to. Click to see a 400kb movie of steam driven pistons.