What does a dynamometer mean?
2 Answers
A dynamometer is a machine primarily used to test the horsepower of a car, commonly found in auto modification shops to measure the increase in horsepower of a modified car engine. Function of a dynamometer: The function of a dynamometer is to measure horsepower, which involves determining the output torque of the driving wheels and calculating the horsepower value, ultimately generating two curves: the torque output curve and the horsepower output curve. Unit: Horsepower is an old unit of measurement; the international unit kilowatt is now commonly used. As for whether higher power is always better, it is generally believed that under the same displacement, higher power is better. Some car manufacturers use advanced technologies, such as intake valve stroke control, EGR, 5-valve, etc., which inevitably increase power but also mean higher engine costs.
Recently, a friend asked me what a dynamometer is, so I gave a brief explanation. A dynamometer, commonly referred to as a dyno, is a type of automotive testing equipment primarily used to measure the actual horsepower output of a car's engine to the wheels, known as wheel horsepower. You'll often see this device in repair shops or tuning shops—the car is driven onto it, secured, and then the machine simulates road conditions while sensors monitor the rotational force of the wheels in real-time to calculate the horsepower value. This tool helps many people tune their engines, such as checking performance improvements after modifications or diagnosing power deficiency issues, avoiding the dangers of driving blindly. Average car owners might rarely come across it, but if you want to understand your car's true performance, getting it tested at a professional shop can be quite interesting.
