Flywheel Inertia Design for Piston Engine

In summary, a flywheel needs to be designed for a single cylinder double-acting piston engine with a mean speed of 1000rpm and a maximum and minimum rpm of 0.3% above and below this respectively. The torque delivered to the crankshaft follows a specific pattern, and using the equation for the energy stored in a flywheel, the mass moment of inertia needs to be determined. After some calculations, the correct answer is found to be 0.796 kg.m^2.
  • #1
yansy
2
0

Homework Statement



A flywheel is to be designed for a single cylinder double acting piston engine. The crankshaft has a mean speed of 1000rpm and a maximum and minimum rpm of 0.3% above and below this respectively.

The torque deliverd to the crankshaft is 100 Nm from top dead centre to 60°, then falls steadily from 100 Nm to 20 Nm over the next 60°, then fixed at 20 Nm for the final 60° to bottom dead centre. The pattern repeats as the crank returns to top dead centre.

As the energy stored in a flywheel is 0.5 * I * ω^2 determine the mass moment of inertia, I, that the flywheel must have.

Homework Equations



ΔE = 0.5 * I * (ω(MAX)^2 - ω(MIN)^2)

Where, ΔE is the area of the torque time diagram above the mean torque.

ω(MAX) = 1003 rpm = 105.034 rad/s

ω(MIN) = 997 rpm = 104.406 rad/s

The Attempt at a Solution



I determined the mean torque over 360° to be 60Nm by drawing a torque-time diagram with the triangular areas were the torque varies from 100 Nm to 20Nm drawn as rectangular areas and then sketching a line roughly through the middle and equated the areas above this line to the missing area below the line to determine the height of the line.

The diagrams were drawn using radians for the crank angle.

Then, I'm assuming that the flywheels moment of inertia should be large enough to absorb the energy when the torque is above 60Nm (the area on the diagram) and then supply this energy when the torque is below 60 Nm in order to keep the rpm within the range given.

So I calculated the area above 60 Nm to be ΔE = 146.64 and then using the equation given above, I get an inertia of 2.23 kg.m^2 but the answer is given as 0.793 kg.m^2

Using the answer given with that formula I get an area of ΔE = 521.77, which is bigger than the total area of the torque time graph.

Obviously, I'm doing something wrong or the answer is wrong.

Thanks for any help.
 
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  • #2
yansy said:
Then, I'm assuming that the flywheels moment of inertia should be large enough to absorb the energy when the torque is above 60Nm (the area on the diagram) and then supply this energy when the torque is below 60 Nm in order to keep the rpm within the range given.

So I calculated the area above 60 Nm to be delta E = 146.64
Area above 60 Nm = 40*Pi/3 + 20*Pi/6 = ?
 
  • #3
Thanks for the reply.

I calculated the triangular area wrong and I was using the area over 360° rather than 180°. I got the answer as 0.796 kg.m^2 with the area you posted. Don't ask me how I got the area of 521.77?
 

What is flywheel inertia design for piston engine?

Flywheel inertia design for piston engine is the process of determining the appropriate size and weight of a flywheel that is attached to the crankshaft of a piston engine. This flywheel serves as a rotating mass that helps smooth out the pulsating power output of the engine and provides rotational energy to keep the engine running smoothly.

Why is flywheel inertia important in piston engine design?

Flywheel inertia is important in piston engine design because it helps maintain a consistent power output and reduces engine vibrations. It also plays a crucial role in starting the engine and maintaining its speed during idle or when shifting gears.

How is flywheel inertia calculated?

Flywheel inertia is calculated by multiplying the mass of the flywheel by the square of its radius and dividing it by 2. This calculation takes into consideration the weight and the distance from the center of rotation, which determines the flywheel's moment of inertia.

What factors affect flywheel inertia design for piston engine?

The main factors that affect flywheel inertia design for piston engine are the engine's power output, the number of cylinders, and the type of engine (2-stroke or 4-stroke). Other factors that may affect the design include the size and weight of the flywheel, the engine's intended use, and the desired level of smoothness and efficiency.

What are the benefits of proper flywheel inertia design for piston engine?

Proper flywheel inertia design for piston engine results in a smoother and more efficient engine operation. It also helps reduce engine wear and tear, improves fuel efficiency, and provides better control and stability when driving. Additionally, a properly designed flywheel can contribute to a longer lifespan of the engine.

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