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Description
The programme defines work, energy and power in engineering terms and then goes on to look at how modes of mechanical energy potential and kinetic. Finally some applications of flywheels are examined.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: T232, Engineering mechanics: solids
Item code: T232; 06
First transmission date: 03-08-1980
Published: 1980
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:00
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Producer: Martin Wright
Contributors: Terry Berreen; Tony Bright
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Energy; Flywheel generator; Kinetic energy
Footage description: Tony Bright, in the studio introduces the programme. He defines energy and looks at the application of energy transfer for lifting a load, in this case an apple. With the aid of an animation he is able to arrive at a measurement of work, the joule. The definitions above are summarised by Tony Bright who performs an experiment in which apples are lifted by a series of pulleys. Terry Berreen goes on to define power as the rate at which work is done. He demonstrates the concept by lifting weights of 100 newtons, each with electric motors of different power output. This allows him to arrive at a concept for measuring power, the watt. Animations showing a human heart and a cart horse at work are shown as examples of power output (wattage) Commentary by John Dixon. Tony Bright uses a system of apples suspended from pulleys to introduce the concepts of potential and kinetic energy. Terry Berreen demonstrates the same concepts by operating a spring loaded pin ball machine. An animation is also shown. Berreen goes on to derive a mathematical experession for kinetic energy. To show that kinetic energy is translational not only in straight lines but also in circles as rotational kinetic energy, Tony Bright looks at the action of a flywheel. He performs an experiment in which the potential energy of a flywheel is converted to kinetic energy. Terry Berreen calculates the amount of energy converted from potential to kinetic in the flywheel experiment above. Berreen demonstrates a practical application of flywheels by operating a toy friction car. Still shots, film and animation show some other practical applications of flywheel power, past and present. Shots of a Swiss Gyrobus, New York subway trains and an advanced technology experimental train in California. Tony Bright looks at an advanced flywheel which rotates on magnetic bearings and virtually eliminates frictional losses of energy. He explains how the magnetic bearings work and why these flywheels are operated in a near vacuum for maximum efficiency. Finally, Tony Bright examines a flywheel generator which is used to supply emergency electric power to the French telephone system. This model also has magnetic bearings. Bright calculates the amount of energy which can be stored by this flywheel.
Master spool number: HOU3375
Production number: FOUT067Y
Videofinder number: 2236
Available to public: no