512 MACHINE DESIGN

where / is the length of the rim between arms, in inches. The stress due to

the moment M is

s*
= ~ (26-11)

Substituting for M its value found by applying equations 26-10 and 26-0,

replacing Z by h2/6, and taking / as 2irr/i, where i is the number of arms,

results in
Jj (26-12)
i2hg

The stretch of the arms may be taken as three-fourths that necessary for

free expansion of the rim.1 The combined tensile stress is then

s =0.75^ + 0.25*2 (26-13)

Experience has shown that for cast-iron wheels the total stress s may be
as high as 5,000 psi, or even 6,000 psi, but the tensile stress Xi should not
exceed 1,000 psi. For cast-steel wheels, si should not exceed 4,000 psi.
Stresses When a flywheel is accelerated from rest, or when the
in arms.
energy supply suddenly cut off, the arms may have to carry the full torque
is
load. Each arm of a wheel with a rigid rim may be considered to act as a
cantilever beam that is fixed at the hub end and carries a concentrated load
at the free end at the rim. The bending moment in this case is a function
of the transmitted torque T. Thus, M = T(D — d)/D, where d is the hub

diameter. The stress is

<*-«>

where Z is the section modulus of the arm cross section at the hub. For
cast iron this stress should not exceed 2,000 psi, because of the uncertainties
of the material and possible shrinkage stresses. In the case of a sudden load

a still lower stress should be used, reduced to 1,000 psi for very severe load

conditions. However, the constraint of the rim reduces the stress Si. A very

heavy rim may reduce it almost to 0.5*1, where *i is found by equation 26-14.
If the flywheel is used as a belt pulley, the arms are bent not only by the
variation in speed but also by the net belt tension (Fi — Fi). The moment
due to this belt action is

MJFl-F^D-d) (26_15)

where D is the flywheel diameter and d is that of the hub. The stress at the
hub is

H_<rr-w>-i> (26_16)

>D. S. Kimball and J. H. Barr, Elements of Machine Design, 3d cd. (New York: John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1935), p. 440.