Transportation

Many of us take public transportation or fly in airplanes on a regular basis, but have you ever wondered how all of these things work? This collection of transportation articles help explain how people get from place to place.

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Learn More / Page 9

How Helicopters Work

The marvel we know as the helicopter began as a Chinese top consisting of a shaft -- a stick -- adorned with feathers on one end. They now buzz around the skies providing emergency medical assistance and your daily traffic report. Are you ready to meet the most versatile flying machines in existence today?

By Marshall Brain & William Harris Flight / Modern

How Hydraulic Machines Work

Ever gaze in wonder at the huge cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, shovels and fork lifts on a construction site? Find out all about hydraulic machines, from backyard log splitters to big construction equipment.

By Marshall Brain Transportation / Engines & Equipment

Inside a Competition Tractor

Tractor pulls are popular displays of raw horsepower.The trucks used in these competitions use engines that are capable of producing thousands of horsepower.

By Marshall Brain Transportation / Engines & Equipment

How a Block and Tackle Works

A fascinating article that describes how a block and tackle (as well as levers and gears) works!

By Marshall Brain Transportation / Engines & Equipment

How Tower Cranes Work

Tower cranes rise 150 feet in the air and lift up to 19 tons. Plus, they actually build themselves! They're simply amazing. Learn how these structures accomplish such feats.

By Marshall Brain Transportation / Engines & Equipment

How Gas Turbine Engines Work

Ever wonder what's happening inside that huge jet engine as you're cruising along at 30,000 feet? Jets, helicopters and even some power plants use a class of engine called gas turbines, which produce their own pressurized gas to spin a turbine and create power.

By Marshall Brain Flight / Modern