Archimedes screw

Archimedes' screw

Archimedes' screw a simple mechanical device believed to have been invented by Archimedes in the 3d cent. BC It consists of a cylinder inside of which a continuous screw, extending the length of the cylinder, forms a spiral chamber. By placing the lower end in water and revolving the screw, water is raised to the top. The principle is applied in machines used for drainage and irrigation, and also in some types of high-speed tools. It can also be applied for handling light, loose materials such as grain, sand, and ashes.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"Archimedes' screw." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 25 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Archimedes' screw." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 25, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Archimscr.html

"Archimedes' screw." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Archimscr.html

Learn more about citation styles

Archimedes' screw

Archimedes' screw Machine used for raising water, thought to have been invented by Archimedes in the 3rd century bc. The most common form of the machine is a cylindrical pipe enclosing a helix, inclined at a 45° angle to the horizontal with its lower end in the water. When the machine rotates, water rises through the pipe.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"Archimedes' screw." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 25 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Archimedes' screw." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 25, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Archimedesscrew.html

"Archimedes' screw." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 25, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Archimedesscrew.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

Served straight up: the Archimedes screw took the flying machine in an...
Magazine article from: Mechanical Engineering-CIME; 12/1/2003
Eureka! Green Queen uses ancient Greek genius to power Windsor; (... and we...
Newspaper article from: Daily Mail (London); 9/8/2011
Royal opening for fish pass and an Archimedes-inspired power station; Eureka!...
Newspaper article from: Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales); 9/15/2009
Archimedes screw images
Archimedes' screw. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)