Flywheel: principal function in engines Identify the primary purpose of a flywheel in a reciprocating engine with cyclic torque fluctuations. Choose the correct option.
Mechanical Engineering
Steam Boilers and Engines
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AConvert piston's reciprocating motion into rotary motion
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BConvert crankshaft rotation into valve reciprocation
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CPrevent fluctuation of speed (store/release kinetic energy)
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DKeep the engine speed perfectly uniform at all loads
Answer
Correct Answer: Prevent fluctuation of speed (store/release kinetic energy)
Explanation
ConceptA flywheel stores kinetic energy during power strokes and releases it during non-power strokes, thereby reducing speed fluctuation. It cannot keep speed perfectly uniform under varying load (governors address average speed).
Why others are wrong(a) is the crank mechanism's job, (b) is done by cams/eccentrics/valve gear, (d) is idealized and not achievable solely by a flywheel.
Final AnswerPrevent fluctuation of speed (store/release kinetic energy)