We see many mechanical components in day-to-day life. One such component is a flywheel. We generally see some holes in it. Have you ever imagined the reason for these holes?
We will discuss the reason behind these holes in this article.
A flywheel is a mechanical device specifically designed to efficiently store rotational energy (kinetic energy).
Read: KINETIC ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEM (KERS)
Since flywheels act as mechanical energy storage devices, their job is also to provide the energy whenever required and that too in a smooth manner.
Flywheels resist changes in rotational speed by their moment of inertia.
The amount of energy stored in a flywheel is proportional to the square of its rotational speed and its mass.
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There are two types of holes in the flywheel.
Uniform symmetric holes as a part of the design.
These help to reduce the weight of the flywheel. In a flywheel, you need a certain moment of inertia.
That can be achieved with less weight by having more material near the periphery.
So mostly they have a thick outer ring with a thin web and holes in the web.
These holes also help while handling the flywheel to put chains and hooks in it.
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Small holes drilled on the periphery will not be symmetrical.
These are holes are drilled at the time of dynamic balancing the flywheel as per need at a specific location and diameter and depth.
The purpose is to remove the mass. If the flywheel is not balanced, then during high speeds, it will generate unbalanced forces on the shaft on which it is fitted.
By removing some portion of the flywheel in the form of these holes, it gets balanced. Also, it helps in material saving which eventually reduces the cost
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