Rudolf Diesel was born on March 18, 1858. Diesel wanted the diesel engine to be used for the independent businessmen with less size, cost, and ability to use available fuels. This was supposed to rival the large industries that had the oversized, expensive, and inefficient steam engine. In 1885, Diesel set up his shop-laboratory in Paris where he laid out his plans to create his engine. On August 10, 1893, in Augsburg, Diesel created a prime model of his diesel engine. It was a single 10 foot iron cylinder with a flywheel at its base, which also ran on its own power. Diesel spent 2 years improving it and in 1896, his engine had a mechanical efficiency of 75.6 percent, much higher than the inefficient steam engine that had 10 percent or less. By 1898, Diesel became a millionaire. His diesel engine were used to power pipelines, electric and water plants, automobiles and trucks, and marine craft, and soon after were used in applications including mines, oil fields, factories, and transoceanic shipping. Diesel died in September 29, 1913. |
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