Pöördeketta

Pöördeketta is an Estonian term that translates to "flight wheel" or "flywheel" in English. It refers to a heavy, rotating disk attached to an engine's crankshaft. Its primary function is to store rotational energy and smooth out the power delivery from the engine. Internal combustion engines produce power in a series of intermittent explosions, which can cause vibrations and uneven operation. The inertia of the pöördeketta helps to maintain momentum between these power strokes, ensuring a more consistent and stable rotation of the crankshaft.

The pöördeketta's mass is crucial for its effectiveness. A heavier pöördeketta will store more energy, leading to smoother operation, particularly at lower engine speeds. However, a heavier pöördeketta also increases the engine's inertia, making it slower to respond to changes in throttle input. Therefore, the size and mass of the pöördeketta are carefully engineered to balance smooth running with throttle responsiveness for a given engine application. It is a fundamental component in most reciprocating engines, found in vehicles, industrial machinery, and various other applications where a steady rotational output is required. Its design and material composition can vary depending on the specific demands of the engine it is paired with.