Dynamometer

Dynamometer is a machine or a setup which is used for output power measurement.

It measures the instantaneous power output of an engine by measuring the torque and rotational speed
(RPM) simultaneously. The function of dynamometer is to measure absorbed power.

Suppose a shaft is rotating and if we want to measure the power of the shaft then we use an instrument
called dynamometer which stop the shaft and then measures power so dynamometer works on the
principle similar to the braking system.

Types of Dynamometer:

1. Absorption Dynamometer

In absorption dynamometer, the power produced by the engine is absorbed by the frictional resistance
of the brake which is transformed into heat during the power measurement.

Absorption type is further classified into two types:

 Prony Brake Dynamometer

It consists of two wooden blocks placed around pulley fixed to the shaft of the engine whose power is
required to be measured. Helical spring is provided between the nuts. Upper block is also provided to
control the speed of the pulley. Upper block has a long lever with weights at its outer ends to balance
the brake when unloaded. Stops are used to limit the motion of the lever

𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑇𝑜𝑟𝑞𝑢𝑒 = 𝑇 = 𝑊 × 𝐿
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐿 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒
2𝜋𝑁𝑇
𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 = 𝑃 =
60
  Rope Brake Dynamometer

2. Transmission Dynamometer

In transmission type, the power produced by the engine is transmitted through the dynamometer to
other machines and the power is measured suitably.

Transmission type is further classified into three types: