What are the three functions of a flywheel?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction to the three functions of a flywheel: 1. Energy storage and speed stabilization: The flywheel utilizes its own moment of inertia to store part of the work input to the crankshaft during the power stroke, which is then used to overcome resistance in other strokes, driving the crank-link mechanism past the top and bottom dead centers, ensuring the crankshaft's rotational speed and output torque are as uniform as possible, and enabling the engine to overcome short-term overloads. 2. Driving component: It serves as the driving component of the friction clutch, engaging and disengaging with the clutch, transferring the engine's rotational force through the transmission to the drive wheels. 3. Flywheel ring gear: A flywheel ring gear is mounted on the outer edge of the flywheel, meshing with the starter's drive gear for starting the engine.
I usually enjoy tinkering with car parts, and the flywheel is particularly crucial in the engine, solving many issues. Its first function is to store kinetic energy. The engine doesn't run smoothly all the time, so the flywheel acts like a buffer, storing excess energy and releasing it when needed. This prevents the engine from stalling during startup or at low speeds, making the ride smoother. The second function is to balance rotation. The up-and-down motion of the engine pistons creates vibrations, but the flywheel's heavy weight stabilizes the rotation like a gyroscope, reducing overall vehicle shake and making the ride more comfortable. The third function is to connect with the clutch in a manual transmission. The flywheel's smooth surface allows the clutch disc to engage, transferring power from the engine to the wheels and ensuring smoother gear shifts. These three functions are indispensable—without them, the car could develop issues like shaking or unstable acceleration.
