Flywheel: Everything You Need to Know About This Powerfu Mechanical Device
A flywheel is one of the most important mechanical inventions that revolutionized engines and energy systems. At its core, it’s a simple device that works on the law of conservation of angular momentum to store rotational energy and release it when needed
What is a Flywheel
A flywheel is a heavy rotating disc or wheel mounted on an axis. Its main function is to store rotational kinetic energy so that it can be delivered later when there is a drop in power input
Think of it as the mechanical equivalent of an inductor in electrical systems. While inductors store energy in magnetic fields, flywheels store it as mechanical rotational energy
How Does a Flywheel Work
When a flywheel spins at high speed, it stores kinetic energy. If the system experiences a drop in power, the flywheel compensates by releasing this stored energy. This results in
Smoother power delivery
Reduced vibrations in reciprocating engines
Extra energy supply when sudden force is required
Applications of Flywheels
Flywheels are widely used across industries and technologies, including
Types of Flywheels and Materials
The Flywheel Concept in Business
Beyond engineering, the Flywheel Concept has become a powerful metaphor in business and marketing. It describes a self-reinforcing growth cycle: small consistent efforts (like improving customer experience or refining products) build momentum over time, accelerating growth
Companies like Amazon and HubSpot famously apply the flywheel concept to explain their long-term sustainable growth strategies
People also ask – FAQ about Flywheels
❓ What is the function of a flywheel
The function of a flywheel is to store rotational energy and regulate the speed of a system
❓ What does flywheel mean
A flywheel is a mechanical device that stores energy, but the term is also used as a business concept for sustainable growth
❓ What is the flywheel concept
It’s a business growth model where each small effort builds momentum, leading to exponential progress
❓ What is called a flywheel
It’s a rotating mechanical device designed to store and release energy efficiently
❓ How long does a flywheel last
Typically over 100,000 km in cars, depending on usage and maintenance
❓ Do all cars have flywheels
Most cars with internal combustion engines have flywheels, while electric cars usually don’t require them
❓ What happens if a flywheel is bad
A damaged flywheel can cause clutch problems, vibrations, and difficulty shifting gears
❓ What does a flywheel do in a clutch
It plays a key role in transferring energy from the engine to the transmission system
The flywheel is more than just a piece of metal in an engine—it’s a brilliant concept that bridges mechanical engineering and business innovation. Whether in energy storage, vehicles, or corporate strategy, the flywheel remains a prime example of how simple principles can create massive impact