SE0MEF Mechanical Fundamentals

Flywheel Practical Activity

Objective:

To determine the radius of gyration (k) of a flywheel and axle

Apparatus:

Flywheel and axle mounted on a board; mass carrier and 100g masses; stop
watch; metre rule; 300 mm rule ; thin cord wrapped around the axle.

M1
1m

Method:

Measure the dimensions of the flywheel and taking the density of steel as 7800
kg/m3, determine the mass of the flywheel.
Record the radius of the axle
Put the loop of one end of the cord on to the pin and wrap the cord tightly
around the axle-ensuring that the cord does not overlap. Suspend a mass
carrier from the other end of the cord.
Set the mass carrier with an initial mass of 300g one metre from the floor.
Record the time taken for the mass to travel under gravity one metre.
Take the average of three times for this mass.
Repeat this process for 5 other masses increasing in 100g steps.
Plot a graph of torque (y axis) against 1/t2 (x axis)
Determine the radius of gyration of the flywheel and axle

SE0MEF Mechanical Fundamentals

Results
Radius of axle (r1) =
m1

t1

t2

t3

We know that T = I;

Theory:

t average

1/t2

T = m1gr1

and that I = mk2

And if T = m1gr1
where m1 = accelerating mass and r1 = the radius of the axle
Now angular acceleration = a/r1 and

&

V= 2S/t

a = v2/2S

thus v2 = 4S2/t2

Now I = T

a
r1

= Tr1 = Tr1 = Tr1

v
4S2 x 1
2S
t2 2S
2

If S = 1 m and by cancelling terms, we get:

I = T
1
t2

r1
2S

where S = 1m

Plot a graph of torque T (y axis) against 1/t2 (x axis) and determine the
gradient.

I = Gradient x r1
2S
2
I = m2k

k = I / M where M = mass of

flywheel & axle.

1/t
2

Compare with theoretical value of k = R /

2
2

where R = flywheel radius

SE0MEF Mechanical Fundamentals

Calculations: Using the formulae from the theory section, plot the graph by hand, and show
all calculations including the theoretical value of k
Conclusions

Comment on likely sources of error.

How do your practical and theoretical values compare?
How do you account for differences in the values of k?
Explain what is meant by radius of gyration
Was the theory proven?

SE0MEF Mechanical Fundamentals