One-Piece Cast Flywheel

• The shape depicts a large, thick disc-like component. The outer diameter should be significantly larger than the inner diameter, which fits onto the crankshaft. The thickness should be substantial to indicate its mass.
• The inner diameter has several large, evenly spaced bolt holes. The bolts secure the flywheel to a flange on the crankshaft's rear-end flange.
• Gear teeth illustrate a ring of evenly spaced gear teeth machined directly into the outer periphery of the flywheel.

Two-Piece Flywheel

• The Shape shows two sections, each resembling a thick, curved arm radiating from a central hub. The arms are connected to each other via robust joints or possibly by a central connecting structure. The outer ends of the arms form a circular perimeter.
• Similar to the one-piece flywheel, bolts secure the flywheel to the crankshaft flange.
• Gear Teeth, either machined into the outer edge of each arm or as a separate shrink-fitted ring on the outer perimeter.

• It stores kinetic energy during the power stroke(s), smoothing out the cyclical variations in torque produced by the reciprocating engine. This reduces fluctuations in crankshaft speed, leading to smoother operation.
• It forms part of the engine starting mechanism, providing inertia to help initiate rotation.
• It contributes to the overall balance of the crankshaft assembly, minimizing vibrations.

• More cylinders create overlapping power impulses, minimizing the need for a large flywheel to maintain smooth crankshaft rotation.
• Long-stroke engines have inherently smoother operations, reducing the dependency on a large flywheel.
• Modern engines with precise timing cycles and fail-proof, computer-aided fuel metering systems reduce the fluctuations in crankshaft motion.
• Improved governor designs provide better control over speed and torque variations, enabling the use of smaller, lighter flywheels.