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Difficulty: MediumEngine Principles and Internal Components

A single-cylinder engine produces driving force only during the combustion event, yet it continues to rotate smoothly across all other cycle phases. Which component attached to the crankshaft stores rotational energy to maintain continuous momentum during the non-power phases?

  1. A
    Connecting rod
  2. FlywheelAnswer
  3. C
    Camshaft
  4. D
    Piston wrist pin

Answer

Flywheel
The flywheel is a heavy disc attached to the crankshaft that provides rotational inertia. Because internal combustion engines only deliver positive torque during the power stroke, the flywheel stores kinetic energy during combustion and uses its momentum to keep the crankshaft rotating through the intake, compression, and exhaust strokes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze energy generation across the four-stroke cycle
In a four-stroke engine, mechanical power is delivered exclusively during the power stroke when expanding combustion gases push the piston downward.
Understanding where engine torque originates highlights the need for a mechanism to sustain crankshaft movement through the intake, compression, and exhaust strokes.
2
Identify the internal component engineered to store rotational kinetic energy
The flywheel is a heavy disc bolted to the end of the crankshaft that possesses significant rotational inertia.
Its mass smooths out torque pulses by capturing kinetic energy during combustion and releasing it to turn the crankshaft during the remaining non-power strokes.

Key Concept

Flywheel function and momentum continuity in the four-stroke cycle
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Engine Principles and Internal Components

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