Flywheel effect on torque fluctuation of an IC engine

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SUMMARY

The flywheel effect significantly reduces torque fluctuations in internal combustion (IC) engines by increasing inertia, which stabilizes rotational speed. While it does not alter peak-to-peak torque, the added inertia minimizes jolts transmitted to the drivetrain, enhancing engine idle stability. The relationship between torque and inertia is defined by the equation I = \frac{d}{dt}T(t), indicating that increased inertia leads to a smoother torque delivery. This principle is crucial for optimizing engine performance and managing load variations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of internal combustion engine mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concept of inertia and its calculation
  • Knowledge of torque and its relationship with rotational dynamics
  • Basic grasp of the mathematical representation of motion (e.g., derivatives)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of flywheel design in torque management
  • Explore advanced concepts in rotational dynamics and inertia
  • Learn about the impact of flywheel mass and radius on engine performance
  • Investigate methods to optimize engine idle stability using flywheels
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, automotive designers, and mechanics interested in enhancing the performance and stability of internal combustion engines through effective torque management strategies.

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How does a flywheel reduce torque fluctuations in a IC engine?
Of course the more inertia you have, the less rotational speed fluctuation you get. But how does more inertia lead to less 'torque' fluctuation?
 
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It doesn't. It does exactly what you said. :D
It's just lax wording.

Doesn't alter peak to peak torque, but the inertia means you don't get huge jolts on the drivetrain.
 
A flywheel is a rotating device which stores and releases energy when there variation in load requirement. Say if the load is enough then flywheel will store the energy and when the load is required the stored energy is released from flywheel.
The flywheel is a rotating device. It depends upon the moment of inertia ( mass x radius of gyration). The whole activities of the flywheel is controlled by its rotation causing the required moment of inertia to the load variation.
 
It is possible for a flywheel to reduce torque fluctuations in an IC engine. The reason behind this is that the rate change in acceleration \frac{d}{dt}\alpha(t) (Jerk), can be suppressed by imposing more inertia onto the crankshaft. This can also help your engine idle easier.
\begin{equation}
\frac{d}{dt}\alpha(t)I=\frac{d}{dt}T(t)
\end{equation}

From the above simple relation we can see that if we increase I (inertia) the rate change of torque onto the crank can be changed regardless of the acceleration. This problem can actually get very detailed. But the fundamentals are there.
Basically, your IC engine will produce a force which is translated into a torque as a function of time T(t). You can reduce the instantaneous acceleration \alpha(t) by changing the inertia.
This has however effects onto the performance of the engine etc.
 

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