What is the Function of the Flywheel in a Car Engine? Here is the Explanation
A car without its components is like a body without bones. The various components in this four-wheeled vehicle play a crucial role in relation to one another, one of which is the flywheel.
Its main task is to release mechanical load energy on the piston. In addition, there are other functions of the flywheel or inertia wheel. Here is the review.
1. Making Engine Rotation More Balanced
For the vehicle to be aligned, a balanced engine rotation is required. Not only aligned, but with that balanced rotation, it can be ensured that the engine can work more optimally.
Therefore, the flywheel is present to create a more balanced engine rotation caused by energy produced by the system even though the source is not sustainable.
The flywheel is mounted on the crankshaft, which is often used to create balance in engine performance. If the engine rotation is uneven, then the energy produced will not have the power as it should.
But don't worry, because that uneven speed can now be dampened better automatically thanks to the function of the flywheel.
2. Storing and Transmitting Engine Torque
If in the first function, the flywheel plays a role in making the engine rotation more balanced. This time, it is capable of transmitting and storing the engine's rotational energy.
For example, when the vehicle is started until it generates torque, the flywheel will automatically store that energy and transmit it back.
Usually, this process is influenced by the crankshaft, which is part of the power transmission to the flywheel.
On this crankshaft, there are several bolts that bind from the end to the end. These bolts are not without reason, but to help the shaft perform its work. As a result, it can work better.
Read also: Understanding the Function of the Crankshaft in Four-Wheeled Vehicles
3. Rotating the Engine When Started for the First Time
The first thing done to the car before using it for travel is to start it first by turning the key. At that moment, the function of the flywheel is at play. The flywheel plays a significant role in helping to rotate the engine when started for the first time.
On its edge, there is a ring gear related to the starter pinion gear. This is what makes the flywheel help to rotate the engine.
When started, the flywheel also rotates. That rotation causes a domino effect to other parts inside the four-wheeled vehicle. Finally, the engine starts and can be used.
4. Place for Installing the Car Clutch
For four-wheeled vehicles that use manual transmission, a clutch is definitely needed to operate the engine inside.
The presence of the flywheel in the car is indeed very helpful. How could it not be, this component is used as a place for installing the clutch in manual transmission vehicles.
However, this does not mean that the flywheel is not important for automatic transmission cars. In fact, this component connects to the Torque Converter.
One of the clutch components that is usually installed together with the flywheel is the Clutch Cover. Between the Clutch Cover and this component, more precisely in the middle, a clutch plate is installed.
The installed clutch plate is connected to the transmission shaft. Thus, automatically, when the clutch plate is pressed against the flywheel and Clutch Cover, the transmission shaft will rotate.
Conversely, if it is not pressed, then the function of the flywheel will not work. That is, the engine's rotational power will be interrupted, resulting in the transmission shaft being freed from that.
In fact, there are many components in a four-wheeled vehicle that play important roles. However, this is also inseparable from the flywheel, whose presence is very much needed to operate the vehicle's engine.
Read also: Understanding the Definition and Functions of the Throttle Position Sensor
