question
question
check out this link.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch2.htm
very basic terms, its the part in the engine which works with the clutch to make the car move. Thats a horrible description but checkout that link. it provides good info on how a cluth works and shows diagrams as to how a flywheel fits into the function.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch2.htm
very basic terms, its the part in the engine which works with the clutch to make the car move. Thats a horrible description but checkout that link. it provides good info on how a cluth works and shows diagrams as to how a flywheel fits into the function.
Last edited by digdat; Nov 23, 2003 at 01:46 PM.
Easier definition: It is a weighed wheel of metal that bolts to the engine. It helps "store" intertia.
A heavier flywheel takes more energy to get going--read off the line. Heavier flywheels help give crisp throttle responses at speed.
A lighter flywheel takes less energy to get going--read off the line. Lighter flywheels don't "store" as much energy at speed, so do not add to throttle response as much at speed. That can be compensated for with a higher horsepower motor--read EVO.
Given the shape of a flywheel--big flat disc, it gets used for a couple of other purposes:
1) The clutch plates of a clutch bind or press against it, so it is also part of the clutch.
2) There are teeth around the outside for the starter to engage against. This gives the starter a place to turn the engine with the advantage of gearing--just like on a bicycle. If the flywheel wasn't used for that purpose, starters would have to be really huge.
3) Females of our species use the flywheel, chiefly the girth of the flywheel, to select thier mates.
That's my thoughts on the flywheel.
-Jimmy
A heavier flywheel takes more energy to get going--read off the line. Heavier flywheels help give crisp throttle responses at speed.
A lighter flywheel takes less energy to get going--read off the line. Lighter flywheels don't "store" as much energy at speed, so do not add to throttle response as much at speed. That can be compensated for with a higher horsepower motor--read EVO.
Given the shape of a flywheel--big flat disc, it gets used for a couple of other purposes:
1) The clutch plates of a clutch bind or press against it, so it is also part of the clutch.
2) There are teeth around the outside for the starter to engage against. This gives the starter a place to turn the engine with the advantage of gearing--just like on a bicycle. If the flywheel wasn't used for that purpose, starters would have to be really huge.
3) Females of our species use the flywheel, chiefly the girth of the flywheel, to select thier mates.
That's my thoughts on the flywheel.
-Jimmy
LOL.. point #3 is classic..
BTW, the heavier the flywheel, the worse the throttle response, but the better "off the line" since the stored inertia helps offset the engine's power.. The lighter the flywheel, the faster the throttle response (crisper) at the expense of it being harder to launch the car..
Flywheels are used on alot of things, not just engines.. All a flywheel is, is a weighted wheel that stores the energy of motion.. things in motion want to stay in motion, and it takes an amount of force to stop it from moving.. the heavyer the flywheel, the more resistence to moving (force against it) will have to be applied to stop it from moving..
Its a compromise..
BTW, the heavier the flywheel, the worse the throttle response, but the better "off the line" since the stored inertia helps offset the engine's power.. The lighter the flywheel, the faster the throttle response (crisper) at the expense of it being harder to launch the car..
Flywheels are used on alot of things, not just engines.. All a flywheel is, is a weighted wheel that stores the energy of motion.. things in motion want to stay in motion, and it takes an amount of force to stop it from moving.. the heavyer the flywheel, the more resistence to moving (force against it) will have to be applied to stop it from moving..
Its a compromise..