High Efficiency Engineering Metal Print

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Mingus Mill, on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a prime example of late 19th century engineering efficiency.

While nearly all mills have a millrace (seen here) channeling water from a stream to a mill-wheel, this mill channels the water into a penstock, which is a tall shaft of water maintained at a constant pressure to turn a turbine at the end of a pipe at the base of the shaft. The turbine is attached to the grinding stones; and, in this case, generates about 11hp at 400 rpm - pretty solid for its day!

The turbine is more efficient than a water wheel, which typically sits in water itself and has some back-pressure, and significant losses in the turn cycle.

The mill was an important hub in frontier life. Typically, families would bring their grains on Saturday for the miller to ground into flour. The miller would take a portion as payment (typically around 1/8) and might sell it to other users or customers who were cond...

My goal has always been to capture moments that inspire me so that I can share them with others. I have been fortunate to have several selections of my work recognized in print and in competition. I am predominantly drawn to images of beautiful landscapes, glorious sunrises and sunsets, impressive cities, impressive architecture and feats of engineering, and awe-inspiring nature. I try to remain faithful to the moments I have experienced, with only 'natural' enhancements in post-processing, though you will also find monochromatic images here. I hope that the moments I share here speak to you. I am open to suggestions, ideas, and feedback you might have about future content offerings. Dan