COURSE UNIT

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL

ENGINEERING: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
LABORATORY 1

COURSE MODULE COURSE UNIT WEEK

17 17
Dynamometer and Power Measurement

CHECKLIST
 Read course and unit objectives
 Read study guide prior to class attendance
 Read required learning resources; refer to unit
terminologies for jargons
 Proactively participate in classroom discussions
 Participate in weekly discussion board (MS Teams)
 Answer and submit course unit tasks

UNIT EXPECTED OUTCOMES (UEOs)

At the end of this unit, the students are expected to:

Cognitive:
1. Use measuring instruments in the performance of laboratory exercises.
2. Analyze the significance of the quantities determined using engineering measuring devices.
3. Analyze the properties of fuels and lubricants using different methods.
4. Design an experiment involving measurement of properties.

Prepared by: Engr. Sandra E. Abancio, RMEE

Affective:
1. Listen attentively during class discussions
2. Demonstrate tact and respect when challenging other people’s opinions and
ideas
3. Accept comments and reactions of classmates on one’s opinions openly and
graciously.

Psychomotor:
1. Participate actively during class discussions and group activities.
2. Express opinion and thoughts in front of the class.

STUDY GUIDE

Dynamometers

• Dynamometer is a device which is used to measure the frictional resistance. By knowing

frictional resistance, we can determine the torque transmitted and hence the power of the
engine.

Types of Dynamometers

Absorption Dynamometer:
• Prony brake dynamometer
• Rope brake dynamometer
• Hydraulic dynamometer

Types of Dynamometers

Transmission Dynamometer
• Belt Transmission Dynamometer
• Epicyclic Dynamometer
• Torsion Dynamometer

Introduction of Torque

• Torque is defined as a twisting force that tends to cause rotation

• Torque is by definition a quantity that represents the tendency of a force to rotate an object
about an axis
• Unit = Nm

Introduction of Torque

• E.g. the force generated by an internal combustion engine to turn a vehicle's drive or shaft
• The torque may be computed by measuring the force F at a known radius r.

Prepared by: Engr. Sandra E. Abancio, RMEE

 • T = Fr
where = F = force (N)
r = radius from pivot point (r)

Difference Between Torque, Angular Velocity and Power

Methods for Measuring Torque

• Torque measuring devices are called as dynamometers

• Torque measurement is usually associated with determination of mechanical power, either
power required to operate a machine or to find out the power developed by the machine

Methods for Measuring Torque

• P = 2πNT/60
• where,
P = power developed by machine (watt)
N = rotation of shaft (rpm)
T = torque (Nm)

Prepared by: Engr. Sandra E. Abancio, RMEE

REFERENCES

1. Power Plant Testing By Moyer

2. Figliola, R.S. & Beasley, D.E., Theory & Design for Mechanical Measurements, 5th edition,
2011, J. Wiley & Sons, Inc.
3. Halman, J.P., Experimental Methods for Engineers, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
4. Doebelin, E.O., Measurement System: Application & Design, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
5. Beckwith, T.G., Marangoni, R.D. & Lienhard, J.H., Mechanical Measurements, Addison
Wesley, Inc.
6. Robert B. Northrop, Introduction to Instrumentation and Measurements, Second Edition,
Jun 28, 2005.
7. Alan S. Morris, Reza Langari, Measurement and Instrumentation Theory and Application
8. Alan S. Morris, Measurement and Instrumentation Principles, 3rd edition.
9. mmmlabmanual10mel47b-170201070004.pdf

UNIT TASK
POWER MEASUREMENT USING ROPE BRAKE DYNAMOMETER

Aim: To measure the power and torque by conducting a load test on engine and to draw the
characteristic curves a) Torque vs. load b) Power vs. load

Apparatus required: Tachometer, Measuring tape, spring balance

Theory: A rope brake dynamometer consists of one or more rope wrapped around the flywheel of
engine and brake drum whose power is to be measured. The ropes are placed evenly across the
width of the drum. The upward rings of ropes are connected to the spring balance on each side.
The rotation of flywheel produces frictional force and ropes are tightened and consecutively a force
is exerted on the drum. Due to this enormous amount of heat is produced. The heat is removed
using water as coolant.

Procedure:
1) Check the fuel supply to engine, lubrication oil level in the oil pump, water circulation in the
cooling system, etc.
2) Start the engine and ensure no load condition on the brake drum.
3) Allow the engine to stabilize before loading.
4) Now the load is applied gradually on the rope brake dynamometer.
5) For every increase in load, the speed is measured using tachometer.
6) Repeat the procedure for various load and power is measured.
7) Calculate the torque and power using the given formulae.

Discuss the result.

Prepared by: Engr. Sandra E. Abancio, RMEE

Prepared by: Engr. Sandra E. Abancio, RMEE