The flywheel is a critical component of the engine and transmission system. Its primary function is to store rotational energy and smooth out fluctuations in the power delivery from the engine. The flywheel is typically mounted on the engine's crankshaft and is connected to the transmission.
Here are the key functions of the flywheel in a vehicle:
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Energy Storage: As the engine produces power during the combustion process, the flywheel stores some of this energy in its rotational motion. This stored energy helps maintain a more consistent speed of rotation, especially during periods when the engine's power output is uneven.
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Smooth Power Delivery: The flywheel acts as a damping device, reducing vibrations and fluctuations in power that can occur during the combustion cycle. This results in a smoother and more even delivery of power to the transmission and ultimately to the wheels.
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Assisting in Starting and Stopping: The momentum stored in the flywheel assists in starting the engine by helping it overcome the initial resistance and also aids in smoothing out the engine's operation during idling and low-speed conditions.
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Supporting Clutch Operation: In manual transmission vehicles, the flywheel is directly connected to the clutch. When the clutch is engaged (foot off the pedal), the flywheel transfers power to the transmission. When the clutch is disengaged (foot on the pedal), the connection between the flywheel and the transmission is temporarily interrupted.
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