Brakes:

A brake is an appliance used to apply frictional resistance to a moving body, or to

stop or retard it by absorpting its kinetic energy. In general, in all types of motion,
there is always some amount of resistance which retards the motion which is
sufficient to bring the body to rest. However the time taken and the distance covered
in this process is too large. By providing brakes, the external resistance is
considerably increased and the period of retardation shortened.

Dynamometers:

It is a brake incorporating a device to measure the frictional resistance applied. This

is used to determine the power developed by the machine, while maintaining its
speed at its rated value. The functional difference between a clutch and a brake is that
a clutch connects to a moving member of the machine whereas a brake connects a
moving member to a stationary member.
Dynamometers

There are mainly two types of dynamometers:

1. Absorption dynamometer: In this type, the work done is converted into heat by
friction while being measured. They can be used for the measurement of
moderate power only. Examples are prony brake dynamometer and rope brake
dynamometer.
2. Transmission dynamometers: In this type, the work is not absorped in the
process, but is utilized after the measurement. Examples are the belt
transmission dynamometer and the torsion dynamometer.

Prony Brake Dynamometer:

A prony brake dynamometer consists of two wooden blocks clamped together on a

revolving pulley carrying a lever. The friction between the bloack and the pulley
tends to rotate the blocks in the direction of the rotation of the shaft. However, the
weight of the suspended mass at the end of the lever prevents this tendency. The grip
of the blocks over the pulley is adjusted using the bolts of the clamp until the engine
runs at the required speed. The mass added to the scale pan is such that the arms
remains horizontal in the equilibrium position. The power of the engine is thus
absorbed by the friction.
Belt transmission dynamometer:

This dynamometer occupies a prominent position among transmission

dynamometers. When a belt transmits power from one pulley to another, there exists
a difference in tensions in the tight and slack sides. A dynamometer measures directly
in difference in tension (T1-T2) while the belt is running. A continous belt runs over
the driving and driven pulleys through two intermediate pulleys. The intermediate
pulleys have their pins fixed to a lever, with its fulcrum at the midpoint of the two
pulley centers. As the lever is not pivoted at its midpoint, a mass at the left end is
used for its initial equilibrium. When the belt transmits power, the lever tends to
rotate in the ccw direction due to difference of tension in the tight and slack sides. To
maintain its horizontal position, a weight of the required amount is provided at the
right end of the lever. Two stops, one on each side of the lever arm are used to limit
the motion of the lever.