Store rotational energy to smooth speed fluctuation.
A flywheel stores energy E=½Iω² and smooths speed fluctuation: coefficient Cs=(ωmax-ωmin)/ωavg and ΔE=I·ω²·Cs. Rim stress σ=ρv² limits speed. Used in engines, presses and energy storage.
A single-cylinder engine uses a flywheel to run smoothly between power strokes.
Flywheels store kinetic energy to smooth fluctuations, so they reduce speed variations in engines and presses.
Store rotational energy to smooth speed fluctuation.
Flywheels store kinetic energy to smooth fluctuations, so they reduce speed variations in engines and presses.
Energy grows with the square of speed, so a high rotational speed gives a large stored energy for a modest mass.
Stress from centrifugal forces, so rim materials and shape must be chosen to keep stress below the allowable value at top speed.
Typical applications include smoothing the torque of a single-cylinder engine, storing energy for a regenerative braking system on a bus and reducing the speed fluctuation of a punch press during a stroke.
Study "Clutches and brakes" first (topic 93 of 106 in Engineering Mechanics). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
Large I at the rim. Burst speed limit. Composite flywheels store more energy per mass.
A single-cylinder engine uses a flywheel to run smoothly between power strokes.
The next topic is "Machine design process", which builds directly on this one.
It is classed as Advanced in Engineering Mechanics (topic 94 of 106). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Engineering Mechanics.
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