What does a flywheel do and how does it work?
In: Engineering
A flywheel is a heavy round weight attached to the shaft of an engine. It maintains rotational inertia, meaning it takes energy to make it spin, but once it is spinning it wants to keep spinning. It is basically a top or a beyblade.
For engines with a few pistons, the flywheel helps keep things spinning smoothly. Engines with more cylinders tend to run smoother and have lighter flywheels.
Most cars add teeth to the outside edge of the flywheel, making it into a gear that can be turned by the electric starter motor when one turns the key.
Latest Answers