FLYWHEELS 509

TABLE 26-1

Required Coefficient of Steadiness m

Driven Machinery Type of Drive m

Hammers, crushers, punch presses Belt 5

Compressors, concrete mixers, excavators . . Belt 7-10
Pumps, shears Belt or flexible coupling 20-25
Metalworking and woodworking machinery Belt 30
Flour, paper, and textile mills Belt 40-50
Compressors, pumps, and similar machines. Gears 50
Spinning machinery, coarse to fine Belt 50-65
D-C generators, single or parallel Belt 35
D-C generators, single or parallel Direct-coupled 70
A-C generators, single or parallel Belt 60
A-C generators, single or parallel DirectTcoupled 100

where k is the polar radius of gyration of the rim, in feet, and n is the speed,
in revolutions per minute. Then
m2JJ2AgE
—
Til1 12

The product Wk2 is the polar moment of inertia. It is also known as the

flywheel effect.

Speed fluctuation. The relative speed variation is determined from the

relation

m--^—
Hi
—
m
(26-6)

where n is the mean speed of the flywheel, and «i and n% are the maximum
and minimum speeds, respectively. The number m is called the coefficient
of and its reciprocal «= \/m is called the coefficient of fluctuation of
steadiness,
rotation.The value of m, or u, depends on the nature of the service for which
the machine is built; that
is,

on the permissible variation between the high

est and lowest speeds during each operating cycle of the driven machine and
on the method of connecting to the driving motor. With a flexible con
it

nection, such as belt drive, the coefficient m may be smaller than with
a

less flexible connection. An electric generator requires a more uniform

drive, and greater m, than pump. Two or more generators operating in
a
a

parallel require still greater value of m. Table 26-1 gives minimum values
a

of m for number of typical drives. The maximum limit, as used in practice,

a

about 25 per cent higher.

is

The mean speed may be determined by the relation

+

«i n2
(26-7)