- #1
Webbd050
- 35
- 4
Im working on designing a high speed flywheel as part of a project. The main issue is the centrifugal forces acting on the flywheel to tear it apart. If i was to construct a flywheel using interference fit tubing which is put together using thermal expansion of the outer tubes so that they are effectively crushing the flywheel when they cool, would these crushing forces oppose the centrifugal forces thereby allowing the flywheel to spin faster without breaking? Or would the outer tubes be under tension and experince a force from the inner core outwards which would assist the centrifugal forces making the flywheel weaker near the surface where there is the greatest inertia? If any of that made any sense to you do you think it would work? Would it need a stronger material to provide the crushing force? Such as a titanium tube around a steel core? I know they use carbon fibre wraps around flywheels in Kers systems is that the same principle? Thanks.