vauhtipyörästä

Vauhtipyörä, also known as a flywheel, is a mechanical component designed to store rotational energy. It is typically a heavy, disc-shaped object that is attached to a rotating shaft. The inertia of the flywheel allows it to resist changes in its rotational speed. When more energy is supplied to the system than is immediately required, the flywheel absorbs this excess energy by spinning faster. Conversely, when the demand for energy increases, the flywheel releases its stored energy by slowing down.

This energy storage capability makes vauhtipyörä crucial in many applications where a smooth and consistent power output is needed. For instance, in internal combustion engines, the vauhtipyörä smooths out the power pulses from the individual cylinder firings, ensuring a more continuous rotation of the crankshaft. Without it, the engine would experience significant jerky movements.

Vauhtipyörä also plays a role in starting mechanisms. In many engines, the starter motor engages with the vauhtipyörä to get the engine rotating to its self-sustaining speed. The stored energy in the vauhtipyörä helps to carry the engine through its compression strokes until combustion becomes sufficient. The mass and diameter of the vauhtipyörä are important design parameters, as they determine its rotational inertia and thus its effectiveness in smoothing out speed variations.