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Flywheel size and its effect

06/05/2023 1:17 PM

Question: Does a flywheel in any RPE that smooth out the amplitudes of the rotational frequencies of the output shaft also smooth the output torque equally?

As we know the torque over a power stoke fluctuates from initial high to low near the end of the power stroke. The flywheel size is selected per the wanted smoothness of the output shaft rotational frequency amplitude.

This website by EPI shows the torque for various engine layouts.

http://www.epi-eng.com/piston_engine_technology/torsional_excitation_from_piston_engines.htm

These high values appear to be representative of the raw torque before a flywheel is added to smooth the shaft rotational frequency amplitude.

Adding a flywheel:

Ref: https://mechguru.com/machine-design/flywheel-design-calculation-simplified/

Recommended Cs values are dependent on the driven machinery: E.G., 3-phase electrical generator 1/300, car engines 1/200, down to paper machines 1/45 and pumps and blower 1/25.

E,flywheel = 0.5 * I * R/s^2, = Ke, Nm

Flywheel I= E / 0.5 / R/s^2; kgm^2

And I = Ke / Cs * Ѡmean^2, kgm^2

E = flywheel energy J or Nm

I = rotational mass inertia, kgm^2

Ke = kinetic energy, Nm

Example: Small engine of any cylinder count, output torque 20 Nm, n = 3000 rpm, Cs selected at 0.025 = 1/40 smoothness.

Angular velocity = pi* 3000 / 30 = 314 R/s

For Flywheel:

I = 20 Nm / 0.025 / 314^2 = 0.0081 kgm^2

E = 0.5 * 0.0081 kgm^2 * 314 R/s^2 = 400 Nm

Ratio: 20 / 400 = 0.05

Torque fluctuation = +- 0.025, max torque 20 * 1.025 = 20.5 Nm, min= 20 * 0.975 = 19.5 Nm

I trust the output torque is smoothed out equal to the smoothing of the amplitude of the rotational frequency?

Thank you for your insight.

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#1

Re: Flywheel size and its effect

06/05/2023 7:29 PM

Question: Does a flywheel in any RPE that smooth out the amplitudes of the rotational frequencies of the output shaft also smooth the output torque equally?

Yes. The flywheel is actually smoothing out the torque. As the engine drives a constant load, the torque is what determines the rotational speed, so the smoothed out torque causes the smoothed out rotational speed.

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#3
In reply to #1

Re: Flywheel size and its effect

06/07/2023 7:48 AM

Thank you. Your reply is much appreciated.

It is a case of when you know what is really happening, you say to yourself: Of course, that is how it has to work.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Flywheel size and its effect

06/07/2023 8:27 PM

There are a number of ways of looking at it.

On the power stroke, the torque adds energy to the flywheel, speeding it up slightly. When the engine is not producing torque, the inertia of the flywheel continues to deliver torque to the transmission.

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#2

Re: Flywheel size and its effect

06/06/2023 2:35 PM
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#5

Re: Flywheel size and its effect

06/08/2023 4:17 PM

Well the harmonic balancer also plays a role here...

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#6

Re: Flywheel size and its effect

06/09/2023 5:35 AM

Torque is something the load presents to the output shaft of the prime mover.

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