Chip Beck Explains HP vs. Torque for Mr. Ferret

[ChipBeck_imp]

Ok. So what about flywheel weight and "stored energy"? Where would you put those variables in the equation?

John,

Flywheel weight is not relevant to the discussion of horsepower and torque as that weight does not effect either component. Flywheel weight is simply rotating mass or inertia. An engine with a heavy flywheel will accelerate slower than an engine with a light flywheel because it takes power to accelerate that mass in addition to the weight of the vehicle. But as you note, that energy is not lost because most of it is stored as inertia and heavy flywheel engines are often smoother operating and harder to stall. But changing flywheel weight does not change horsepower or torque.

Chip