I'm imagining a vehicle that stores a lot of energy prior to the "serious acceleration" part of a timed run.
Normally, I don't think that -- for example -- a 50cc motorcycle streamliner typically would benefit
much from having 4 miles to accelerate prior to entering the timed mile . . . compared to having just
2 miles for this, instead of 4.
What if that bike had some substantial flywheels, and revved them up while slowly rolling for two miles?
This could allow for a huge amount of stored energy that could be used to accelerate the entire vehicle
for (say) one mile plus a measured mile.
Of course, the extra mass could prove to be disadvantageous, as it would also need to be accelerated "in
a straight line". If the flywheels aren't revved highly enough to store sufficient kinetic energy, then
this kind of system would not help.
Has this been tried? If so, how well did it work?
In an "extreme" case, I can imagine a streamliner like this creeping quite slowly forward, while revving the flywheels. But if the first couple miles of "creeping" take 10 minutes, people will be impatient and unhappy. Still, this would not require an additional "engine", "motor", or other device that is clearly
prohibited.
It may be crazy/impractical for any one of several reasons. I haven't done a detailed analysis based solely
on "energy" considerations (regardless of cost, aerodynamics, etc.).
I feel the gyroscopic effect of a heavy flywheel will be interesting on a motorbike, When its going well it will be great but when its not could become a very large issue
https://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/f1/williams-f1-kers-explained/
^^^ That magazine has had the most interesting articles for decades.^^^
I used to enjoy one author's frequent discussions on the physics of sprint cars. They were fascinating.
Quote from: aircap on October 11, 2026, 12:48:43 PM^^^ That magazine has had the most interesting articles for decades.^^^
I used to enjoy one author's frequent discussions on the physics of sprint cars. They were fascinating.
That would be interesting to read!
Tim