The Flywheel of engine functions
The Flywheel of engine is a component that has a very vital role in the entire engine work process. The Flywheel of engine is a heavy revolving wheel in an engine that is used to increase the engine's momentum and thereby provide greater stability or a reserve of available power during interruptions in the delivery of power to the machine.
With the Flywheel, the engine can rotate harmoniously, smooth, and evenly due to the Flywheel's rotary motion and power after following engine rotation.
The Flywheel is made of high quality cast steel and is shaped like a disc with a reasonably heavyweight. For passenger cars, the Flywheel of engine weighs at least 7.5-50 kg. This weight depends on the weight and type of engine used in the vehicle.
Even so, some modern Flywheels of engines are made of carbon fibre and use magnetic pads. It allows the Flywheel to be lighter, more robust but still stable and can rotate at speeds of up to 60,000 RPM.
In the engine, the Flywheel is placed at the end of the crankshaft using several fastening bolts. At the edge of the Flywheel, it is usually equipped with a ring-shaped gear (often called ring gear) that connects with the starter motor's pinion gear.
There is often a bearing in the Flywheel that functions as a holder for the transmission input shaft. So what exactly is the function of the Flywheel? This article will share information about the Flywheel of engine function. See complete details below.
1. Store and distribute the rotational energy from the engine
The first Flywheel of engine functions is a place to store and distribute the rotational energy generated by the engine. The Flywheel is connected directly by several fastening bolts at the end of the crankshaft.
Thus, when the engine starts to rotate and produces its rotating power, the Flywheel will store its rotational energy for a short time and redistribute it to the transmission. So, when the crankshaft starts to rotate, the Flywheel of engine is always starting to rotate.
2. Balancing engine speed
The next Flywheel of engine function is to balance the engine speed so that the engine's rotation can be smoother, more harmonious and even. A flywheel is often used to provide continuous energy in systems where the energy source is not steady.
As we know, in an internal combustion engine, the crankshaft rotation that follows the combustion process often has an unbalanced rotational speed due to the engine working pace. As a result, the crankshaft's also has uneven rotational speed, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
It is where the role and function of the Flywheel of engine come in. The Flywheel of engine mounted on the crankshaft will store energy and torque from the moving piston and generate power. On the other hand, the Flywheel of engine will also release mechanical load energy on the piston that does not produce power.
That way, the unbalanced rotation speed of the engine can be dampened and adjusted by the Flywheel of engine.
Also read:3. As a place to attach the clutch device
The next Flywheel of engine function is to attach the car clutch component (manual car) or tie the Torque Converter component to automatic transmission cars.
The clutch component, especially the Clutch Cover, is attached to the Flywheel by using bolts. A clutch plate is attached directly connected to the transmission shaft in the middle between the Clutch Cover and the Flywheel.
That way, when the clutch cover and Flywheel pinch the clutch plate, the clutch plate will rotate the transmission input shaft. When the clutch plate is not pinched, it will cut off the engine rotating power, and the transmission input shaft will be free from engine rotation.
4. As a place for the ring gear
The last Flywheel of engine function is for the ring gear to turn the engine for the first engine crank. Yes, on the Flywheel's edge, a ring gear is attached and associated with the pinion gear starter when the motor starter is activated.
When the motor starter is activated, the pinion gear will be linked to the ring gear and rotate the Flywheel. Because the Flywheel of engine is attached directly to the crankshaft, the crankshaft will rotate. It also turns the engine components such as pistons and others.
That way, the engine work process can be achieved. The engine can start and rotate to produce its rotating power and then move the car.