Short Answer:

The flywheel effect on fluctuation of energy refers to the ability of a flywheel to store excess energy when the engine produces more than required and release it when the energy output is less. This helps in maintaining a nearly constant speed of the engine or machine shaft. The flywheel thus reduces fluctuations in speed caused by uneven torque during operation.

In other words, the flywheel effect ensures smooth and uniform rotation of machinery by controlling variations in kinetic energy. It absorbs energy during power strokes and releases it during idle strokes, minimizing vibration and mechanical stress on the system.

Detailed Explanation :

Flywheel Effect on Fluctuation of Energy

The flywheel is a rotating mechanical device used for storing rotational energy. Its main function is to regulate the speed of an engine or machine by controlling fluctuations in energy. When a machine, such as an internal combustion engine, operates, it does not always produce constant torque throughout its working cycle. Some parts of the cycle generate more energy than required, while others generate less. This causes variation in speed, which can affect performance and mechanical stability.

To reduce this variation, a flywheel is attached to the rotating shaft of the engine. The flywheel absorbs excess energy when the engine produces more power than needed and releases it when the power output falls short. This process helps in maintaining uniform rotation and is called the flywheel effect on fluctuation of energy.

The flywheel stores energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy, which depends on its mass moment of inertia and the square of its angular velocity. The mathematical expression for the energy stored in the flywheel is:

E = ½ × I × ω²

Where,
E = Kinetic energy of the flywheel (Joules)
I = Mass moment of inertia of the flywheel (kg·m²)
ω = Angular speed of the flywheel (rad/s)

Working of Flywheel Effect

During an engine cycle, torque output varies with crank position. At certain points, the engine produces maximum torque, and at others, it produces minimum torque. If there were no flywheel, this variation would lead to severe fluctuations in speed and energy, causing rough operation.

When the engine torque is greater than the average torque, the flywheel absorbs the excess energy and accelerates slightly. This stored energy is in the form of rotational kinetic energy. During the next part of the cycle, when the engine torque is less than the average torque, the flywheel releases the stored energy, decelerating slightly but maintaining continuous motion.

Thus, the flywheel acts as an energy reservoir, balancing energy differences throughout the working cycle. It ensures that the engine shaft speed remains within safe limits by reducing the fluctuation in speed between the maximum and minimum values.

Fluctuation of Energy

The fluctuation of energy in a rotating system is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum energy of the flywheel during one cycle of operation. It can be expressed as:

ΔE = E₁ – E₂

Where,
ΔE = Fluctuation of energy (Joules)
E₁ = Maximum energy (when flywheel is at maximum speed)
E₂ = Minimum energy (when flywheel is at minimum speed)

The greater the fluctuation of energy, the more energy the flywheel must absorb and release to maintain uniform speed. Therefore, the size and mass of the flywheel are designed according to the energy variation in the machine.

Coefficient of Fluctuation of Speed

The coefficient of fluctuation of speed is used to measure how effectively the flywheel controls speed variations. It is given by:

Cₛ = (N₁ – N₂) / N

Where,
N₁ = Maximum speed,
N₂ = Minimum speed,
N = Mean speed of rotation.

A smaller coefficient indicates better flywheel performance, meaning the flywheel has effectively reduced speed fluctuations.

Importance of Flywheel Effect on Fluctuation of Energy

Smooth Operation:
The flywheel effect ensures that the engine or machine runs smoothly without sudden changes in speed.
Energy Storage:
It stores energy during periods of excess torque and releases it during low torque periods, keeping the operation steady.
Reduced Vibrations:
The reduction of energy fluctuation prevents excessive vibration and mechanical stress in the shaft and components.
Improved Efficiency:
Constant speed operation helps maintain better performance and fuel efficiency in engines.
Protection of Machine Parts:
By minimizing sudden jerks, the flywheel extends the life of engine components, bearings, and shafts.

Applications of Flywheel Effect

Internal Combustion Engines: To balance torque during different strokes of operation.
Power Presses: To store energy for punching or pressing operations that occur intermittently.
Steam Engines: To maintain steady piston speed during different phases of the cycle.
Electric Generators: To keep generator speed uniform despite load changes.
Vehicles: To ensure smoother acceleration and deceleration during driving.

Conclusion :

The flywheel effect on fluctuation of energy is the ability of a flywheel to stabilize rotational speed by storing and releasing energy during different phases of a working cycle. It helps in maintaining uniform motion, reducing speed variation, and improving overall efficiency of machines. Without the flywheel effect, engines and machines would experience severe fluctuations, vibrations, and reduced performance. Hence, the flywheel plays a vital role in ensuring steady and reliable mechanical operation.