Problem Set 1 (Machine Design 2): Flywheels

Direction: Solve the following problems with necessary drawings. (short size bond paper).

1. The flywheel is required to handle 3100 N-m of kinetic energy at a normal speed of 350 rpm.
The mean diameter of the flywheel is 120 cm and the rim width is 20.5 cm. The coefficient of
fluctuation is 0.05; and the hub and arms are equivalent to 10% of the total rim weight.
Assuming that the flywheel is a cast iron with density of 7600 kg/m3.

Determine:
a). Maximum rpm of the flywheel
b). Minimum rpm of the flywheel
c). Mean velocity of the flywheel rim (m/s)
d). Weight of the rim (kg)
e). Thickness of the flywheel (mm)

2. A punching machine requires 1600 ft-lb of energy to punch a certain hole. During the
punching operation, the speed of the machine is reduced from 280 rpm to 160 rpm. The weight
of the arms and hub is considered to be 10% of the rim weight, and the mean diameter of the
flywheel is 32 inches.

Determine:
a). The mean operating rpm of the flywheel
b). Coefficient of fluctuation
c). Maximum speed of the flywheel (fps)
d). Minimum speed of the flywheel (fps)
e). Weight of the rim (lb)
f). Weight of the flywheel (lb)
g). Weight of the arms and hub (lb)