EXPERIMENT 9

FLYWHEEL APPARATUS

1.0 Objective

To determine the drop time for various weights the flywheel apparatus through experiment and
compared to the value using theoretical equation.

2.0 Introduction

By using this apparatus, basic experiments on uniformly accelerated angular notion can be
performed. A flywheel mounted in ball bearings is placed in motion by a weight attached to a
pulley. The inertia of the flywheel can be determined from the fall time of the weight. The unit is
intended for wall mounting.

3.0 Apparatus

Flywheel Apparatus, rope, stop watch, weights.

Figure 1 : Flywheel Apparatus

4.0 Theory

The unit can be used to demonstrate the basic principles of dynamics relating to the rotation of
a rigid body. The fundamental law of rotation about a fixed axis stated that the moment of the
external forces referenced to the axis of rotation is proportional to the angular acceleration of
the body

M = I.a (3.1)

The tendency of all bodies to maintain a state of restore, once moving, to maintain a state of
uniform movement, is attributed to a property of the body known as inertia. The resistance with
which a body oppose its acceleration is referred to in the case of rotation as mass moment of
inertia I, which must always be referenced to the perspective axis of rotation.

The following applies to the mass moment of inertia referenced to the centre of mass for a solid
round pulley (flywheel’s radius, R )

1 2
𝐼= 2
𝑚𝑠𝑅 (3.2)

The moment of the external forces is produced by the rope force, T of weight and the radius of
action, r of the pulley as follows

M=Tr (3.3)

This yields the fundamental law of rotation for the flywheel

Ia=Tr (3.4)

After releasing the weight, the centre of mass theorem gives the following for the straight-line
motion

ma = mg - T (3.5)
The acceleration, a of the weight is linked to the angular acceleration a of the flywheel by way of
the radius r of the pulley.

a =ra (3.6)

Combining the equation 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 and resolving for acceleration yields
𝑔
a= 𝐿 (3.7)
1+ 2
𝑚𝑟

Or, for angular acceleration of the pulley, g

𝑔
a= 𝐿 (3.8)
𝑟(1+ 2 )
𝑚𝑟

𝐿
As the expression 2 is >> 1, the 1 in the denominator of equation 3.7 can be disregarded
𝑚𝑟

3 2
𝑚𝑔𝑟 𝑤𝑟
a= 𝐼
or a = 𝐼
(3.9)

As the acceleration can most easil

y be determined via the drop time T of the weight for a specific distance s, this equation is
integrated twice and resolved for time t

3
𝑎𝑡
X= 2
(3.10)

Given x = s, r = radius of pulley, and T = t, the drop time is

2𝑆𝐼
T= 2 (3.11)
𝑊𝑟

This enable the drop times for various weights to be calculated and compared to the
measurement. Conversely, it is also possible to draw conclusions from the drop time and thus
the acceleration about an unknown mass moment of inertia. be calculated. This experiment is
performed in practice with complex turned parts for experimental the determination of the rotary
inertia.

5.0 Procedure

I. The desired weight was attached to the weight holder, which was suspended from
rope.
II. Coil rope was turned until the weight reached 1 metre, then the coils rope were lined
up side by side.
III. As soon as the flywheel was released, the stopwatch began timing how long it took
the weight to fall to the ground.
IV. When the weight of the flywheel touched the ground, it was manually stopped by
hand.
V. In a table, the measured time is recorded. To minimise error, the measurement was
repeated three times, with the average value calculated. After that, the time recorded
was compared to the calculated values.
6.0 Result

Diameter of flywheel : Ø 300 mm

Diameter of pulley : Ø 22 mm

Mass : 22.2 kg

Mass moment of inertia : 0.25 Nm

Table 1 : Measurement and Calculated Data

Drop time as a function of drive weight

Drop height s = 1m
Time, T measured in seconds (s)
Weight, W Average Calculated Percentage
(N) 𝑠𝑡 𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑑 time, (s) Time,T(s) error (%)
1 time 2 time 3 time

12 44.18 40.13 39.54 41.28 18.56 55.04

13 33.12 33.78 33.50 33.47 17.83 46.73
14 30.48 29.09 31.12 30.23 17.18 43.17
15 26.53 28.72 28.66 27.97 16.60 40.65
NAME : PUTERI NOR AISYAH BINTI MEGAT SHAHARUDDIN

STUDENT ID : 2020491192

7.0 Discussion

I. Draw the free body diagram and kinetic diagram for the flywheel and weight.

FREE BODY DIAGRAM KINETIC DIAGRAM

FLYWHEEL

WEIGHT

II. Compare and discuss the result of the drop time for various weights of the flywheel
apparatus using theoretical equation and compared to the measurement in the
experiments.

We can see from the data table 1, that as the weight of the flywheel increases, the
average time decreases. From the flywheel apparatus experiment, a stopwatch was
used to measure the drop time for various weights by calculating the average time for
each weight as an experimental value.
 The theoretical flywheel’s mass moment of inertia can be calculated as

1 2
𝐼= 2
𝑚𝑠𝑅

1
= 2
(22.2) (0.15)2

= 0.25 Nm

The value of the theoretical drop time for various weight is calculated as shown below,

For W = 12N

2𝑆𝐼
T= 2
𝑊𝑟

2(1)(0.25)
= 2
(12)(0.011)

= 18.56 s

The average time, T (s) for 12N is 41.28s and Calculated Time, T (s) is 18.56 s. The
value calculated from the experiment is slightly higher than the value from the theoretical value.
They have a percentage error of 55.04%. Some of the differences between practical and
theoretical values can be attributed to assumptions made during the experiment as well as
experiment errors.

Several assumptions were made throughout the experiment that were not considerate when
computing the mass moment of inertia value. Friction force is one of the experiment's
assumptions. Friction forces exist between the numerous moving pieces in this experiment
setup. Another reason for the differences are human and measuring equipment errors. Errors
could also occur as a result of a mistransfer of values from the measuring instruments to the
paper. When reading values from measuring instruments, other errors occur, some of which are
due to parallax problems.
III. Give your comment or suggest any cause of errors.

1) Environmental Error

Flywheels progressively slow down than the theoretical time as a result is because of
bearing friction and wind resistance, thereby, some of the stored energy release. To
reduce or minimise these forces, smart and expensive trucks are used.

2) Instrumental Error

Rotational speed: The higher the rotational speed, the more gravitational forces will
overcome the intermolecular forces that keep the flywheel together. High-tensile-strength
materials (such as carbon composites) are used to handle high tensile forces.

Unbalanced wheel : Vibrations are caused by an unbalanced wheel (cars with

unbalanced tyres will vibrate at certain resonant speeds). These vibrations may worsen
over time, increasing friction and eventually leading to system failure.

Apparatus : the wheel might be rusty and the rope is already old. This can disturb the
consistency of the weights to fall down, by that the time taken also effected.

3) Human Error

Stop watch : Given the fact that stopwatches are designed to be more accurate, humans
are still prone to making mistakes when using them. Humans normally detect and
respond to visual information in about 180–200 milliseconds. So, better to the average
time, t (s) for a better result.
8.0 Conclusion

Write your conclusion about the experiments.

From this experiment we have done, the moment of inertia of the flywheel was studied, which
resulted in the mass and radius of the wheel being dependent on each other, as stated in the
1 2
equation I = 2
𝑚𝑠𝑅 . As the mass and radius of the flywheel are increased, the moment of

inertia increases as well. In the experiment, different weights were used. The output is the
heavier the weight, the faster the drop time for the weight to travel 1m. However, when the
experimental value is compared to the theoretical value, it is noticed that there is a significant
difference between both. We can conclude that the error was caused by human error, as well as
some error caused by instruments affecting the time taken . As a result, it is incomparable to the
theoretical one because the situation is not ideal.

9.0 Reference

List all the references that you have made during the course of your finding.

● R.C. Hibbeler. (2010). Engineering Mechanics- Dynamics , 12th edition, Pearson Prentice
Hall.
● S.S Rao, (2004) Mechanical Vibrations, Fourth Edition, Prentice- Hall, Inc, New
Jersey.
● https://www.jhotpotinfo.com/2021/03/determination-of-moment-of-inertia-of.html
● https://www.slideshare.net/GarisonKiprotich/moment-inertia-of-a-flywheel-lab-report
● https://www.academia.edu/36510440/Title_Flywheel_Lab_Report
NAME: AHMAD NAUFAL DANISH BIN ZULKARNAIN

STUDENT ID: 2020827386

7.0 Discussion

I. Draw the free body diagram and kinetic diagram for the flywheel and weight.
II. Compare and discuss the result of the drop time for various weights of the
flywheel apparatus using theoretical equation and compared to the measurement
in the experiments.

From the results obtained. The drop time has a different value because
systematic error, which is time for stopping the stopwatch, is not accurate. For
the value of moment of inertia experimental and theoretical. They had a small
difference in value because when calculating for various values such as angular
acceleration and linear acceleration. The values taken are frequently rounded off.
So, the value will be different.The drop time for various weights of the flywheel
apparatus is 41.28s with a percentage error of 55.04% when the weight is 12N
and the calculated time is 17.56s. Following that, the calculated time for the
weight 13N is 17.83s, while the average time is 33.47s with a percentage error of
46.73%. The calculated time for the weight 14N is 17.18s, while the average time
is 30.23s, with a percentage error of 43.17%. The ultimate weight is 15N, with
calculated times of 16.60s and the average time is 27.97s and a percentage error
of 40.65%.This indicates that if we use a heavier weight, it will fall to the ground
faster than if we use a lesser weight.My discussion revealed that if we use a
greater weight in this experiment, the time required is reduced

III. Give your comment or suggest any cause of errors.

Random error- The Random error is a typical error that we make in experiments.
Weight falls improperly or stops on its own in this experiment because of an
unequal or unorganized rope arrangement, resulting in experiment errors.

Systematic error- Systematic error is due to carelessness or to the limitations of

human ability. For example when we start and stop the stopwatch. If your
stopwatch shows 100 seconds for an actual time of 99 seconds, everything you
 measure with this stopwatch will be dilated, and a systematic error is induced in
your measurements.

8.0 Conclusion

Write your conclusion about the experiments.

From this experiment, I can verify Newton’s Second Law for rotational motion; M = Iα. The
moment of inertia of the flywheel has been studied in which the results are in the dependency of
mass and radius of the wheel. The calculated and experimented moments of inertia values are
found to be radically different. The large variance is related to error causes and a reduction in
the machine's efficiency ratio in the experiment. In this experiment, we must estimate the drop
time for various weights of the flywheel apparatus. As a result, when the weights are heavier, it
takes less time for them to fall to the floor. This is because the weight of the weight we employ
affects the time it takes for an object to fall to the floor in this experiment.

9.0 References

● R.C. Hibbeler. (2010). Engineering Mechanics- Dynamics , 12th edition, Pearson Prentice
Hall.
● https://vlab.amrita.edu/?sub=1&brch=74&sim=571&cnt=1
● https://qsstudy.com/physics/experiment-determination-moment-inertia-fly-wheel
● https://www.slideshare.net/GarisonKiprotich/moment-inertia-of-a-flywheel-lab-rep
ort
● https://www.jhotpotinfo.com/2021/03/determination-of-moment-of-inertia-of.html
NAME : MUHAMMAD IRFAN HAZEQ BIN MOHD ZULKARNAIN

STUDENT ID : 2020891964

7.0 Discussion

i Draw the free body diagram and kinetic diagram for the flywheel and weight.

ii Compare and discuss the result of the drop time for various weights of the flywheel apparatus
using a theoretical equation and compared to the measurement in the experiments.

The average time reduces as the weight of the flywheel increases, as seen in data table 1. A
stopwatch was used to measure the drop time for various weights using the flywheel apparatus
experiment, and the average duration for each weight was calculated as an experimental
value.For the value of moment of inertia experimental and theoretical, they had a different in
value because when calculating for various value such as angular acceleration and linear
acceleration, the value taken is frequently round off. so, the value will be different.

iii. Give your comment or suggest any cause of errors.

1) Environmental Error

wind conditions in the environment that may disturb the weights. in addition, the
uneven floor surface results in the fall of the weight being incorrectly calculated
and the timing incorrectly

2) Instrumental Error

wind conditions in the environment that may disturb the weights. in addition, the
uneven floor surface results in the fall of the weight being incorrectly calculated
and the timing incorrectly

3) Human Error

One source of error is our reaction time. This is a random error: we may delay
too long in starting the watch, or delay too long in stopping the watch. In practice,
the reaction times will not be the same in repeated measurements; our measured
times will be randomly distributed around the true time.

8.0 Conclusion

In conclusion , the flywheel experiment helps verify Newton's Second Law of rotational motion
whose equation is M= Ia. From this experiment, the moment of inertia can also be determined
through the use of various equations. Frictional moments that are required to overcome the
friction can also determine the theoretical equation. this experiment shows how mass relates
with time taken for the load to reach minimum point and from the result recorded in the table, it
shows that the higher the mass of the load, the longer it takes for the load to reach the minimum
point, this is due to the the relationship of i = mr^2 , which as m increases, i also increases and
from the equation a =M/I, a decreases as I increases. then as we know , alpha is inversely
proportional to time.Thus, higher mass increases the main taken for the load to reach minimum
point.

9.0 Reference

● https://www.scribd.com/document/397272153/Flywheel-2
● https://slideplayer.com/slide/4773566/
● R.C. Hibbeler. (2010). Engineering Mechanics- Dynamics , 12th edition, Pearson Prentice
Hall.
● https://writeonline.ca/media/documents/LabReport_TypesOfExperimentalErrors.pdf
● http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/n2r.html
NAME : DIANA BINTI NORAZLAN

STUDENT ID : 2020883258

7.0 Discussion

I. Draw the free body diagram and kinetic diagram for the flywheel and weight.
II. Compare and discuss the result of the drop time for various weights of the flywheel
apparatus using a theoretical equation and compared to the measurement in the
experiments.

This try yielded a decently considerable rate of blunder of generally 20% when
comparing the hypothetical and exploratory values of minute of inactivity for the flywheel.
This mistake can be the result of a human mistake, as for all intents and purposes
everything in this explore was taken care of by human estimation instead of machine. As
a result, sources of botch such as the erroneous number of turns due to the turn being
too numerous and as well long to calculate are a plausibility. In expansion, the wheel
pivots at a high precise speed. As a result, the person who computed it may be
confused, resulting in a botch. There seem too be an blunder in recording the time taken
due to a human mistake, such as beginning the recording as well before long or as well
late, or halting the stopwatch as well rapidly or as well late. Since the exploratory
computation isn't culminate, the rest of the source of mistake is accepted to be the
device itself, and whether or not vitality has been misplaced to the environment. Contact
between the flywheel and the center, as well as friction between the flywheel and the
rope, causes energy misfortune within the shape of warm.

As a result of this mistake, the next level of caution ought to be performed in arrange to
reduce the blunder. In this test, three parts of the test were perused three times each,
whereas the other was rehashed twice. This redundancy makes a difference to diminish
the chance of making a botch. Be that as it may, it may be more effective in the event
that the revolution is calculated by a machine, as this will dispense with a few human
error. Aside from that, able to grease up the flywheel to decrease grinding.
 III. Give your comment or suggest any cause of errors.

a. Parallax Error

For measuring the distance between the ground and the weight, there are parallax errors

and measurement device limitations.

b. System Error

Contact happens amid the explore, but it isn't taken into thought. The lengths and weight of all
of the disobedient we utilized may alter somewhat from the values provided. For the device, the
thickness of steel and aluminum may not be idealize. Steel and aluminum flywheels may not be
equally distributed as expected within the computation. Swinging the weight would stretch the
time required. The gravitational increasing speed used is an normal esteem for the earth's
surface, be that as it may it shifts by area.

c. Procedural Errors

Factors such as air resistance and friction could have influenced the motion of the mass

coupled to the spring, resulting in easy energy loss during the experiment. This could have

resulted in some inaccuracies in the final result. This error may have been reduced if the

experiment had been conducted in a closed system, which would have reduced errors

while also increasing the precision and reliability of the findings.

8.0 Conclusion

9.0 Reference

a. https://www.jhotpotinfo.com/2021/03/determination-of-moment-of-inertia-of.html

b. https://www.studocu.com/my/document/universiti-malaya/mechanical-engineering/mec-

291-flywheel/11043090

c. https://www.britannica.com/technology/flywheel

d. Lynn White, Jr., “Medieval Engineering and the Sociology of Knowledge”, The Pacific

Historical Review, Vol. 44, No. 1. (Feb., 1975)

e. R.C Hibbeler (2016) Dynamics, 14th edition, Prentice-Hall, Inc, New Jersey