How to Calculate the Moment of Inertia for an IC Engine?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the moment of inertia (MoI) for an internal combustion (IC) engine, focusing on the complexities due to multiple rotating components within the engine. Participants explore the foundational concepts and calculations involved in determining MoI, particularly in the context of mechanical engineering and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that to calculate the moment of inertia, one must first identify the rotating parts, their geometries, and the axis of rotation.
  • Others note that the calculations for an engine would be similar to those for any simple object, but emphasize the complexity due to multiple rotating elements such as pistons, conrods, oil pumps, and camshafts.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about how to find the MoI given the many rotating components in an engine, indicating a need for further clarification or guidance.
  • There is a suggestion to discuss basic principles of MoI calculation and finite element analysis, indicating a potential educational context for the inquiry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific method for calculating the moment of inertia for an IC engine, and multiple competing views on the approach remain. The discussion reflects uncertainty and a need for more detailed exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the assumptions or specific methods for calculating MoI in the context of an IC engine, and there are unresolved questions regarding the complexity introduced by multiple rotating elements.

sandy3981
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please let me know the calculations involved for getting the moment of inertia of an ic engine
 
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sandy3981 said:
please let me know the calculations involved for getting the moment of inertia of an ic engine

I don't know anything about engines, but when investigating moment of inertia, you should first identify the part which rotates, its geometry, and the axis of rotation. Then use the definition of the moment of inertia somehow.
 
radou said:
I don't know anything about engines, but when investigating moment of inertia, you should first identify the part which rotates, its geometry, and the axis of rotation. Then use the definition of the moment of inertia somehow.


Thanks radou! but there are many rotating elements in an engine,how to find the MoI in this case.Any idea ??
 
The calculations would be exactly the same as those involved in calculating the moment of inertia of any simple object. Good luck calculating it for an engine. Don't forget about pistons, conrods, oil pumps, camshafts etc.
 
sandy3981 said:
Thanks radou! but there are many rotating elements in an engine,how to find the MoI in this case.Any idea ??

This sounds like a homework problem, but I'll leave it here for now since in its full form, it's a bit of a project.

Sandy, tell us what you know about how to calculate the MOI of a simple object. And tell us what you know about finite element analysis. And tell us what class this is for (basic physics, advanced engine design in upper division ME, or what?).
 

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