Truck parts Dynamometer. (Why not a water brake?)

[Thomas Burns]

I had that same idea a while back, but wasn't able to find any of the *Math*
behind it in the library. Where are you getting your sources? I am not a
mech. engr. so I don't know what the "Standard Handbook of Mechanical
Engineering" is?

It seems that this shouldn't be too hard to implement??? Famous last words!

Thanks.
-Thomas

At 03:05 PM 8/18/96 -0400, you wrote:
>I've been reading this dynamometer thread for a bit and though I would
>add my 2 cents. 
>It is probably easier to use a water brake than to deal with all the
>wear and heating problems of a truck brake. However a truck rear axle
>is probably a good source of parts.
>
>The general concept (straight out of my Standard Handbook of Mechanical
Engineering) is to mount a series of perforated disks to
>the shaft one wishes to load. The disks alternate in being attached to
>shaft (disk 1), fixed to the frame(disk 2), attached to the shaft(disk3).
>The number of holes in the disk and the size of the disks are proportional
to the amount of power to be absorbed. Put the entire thing
>in a tub of water, preferably with the disks vertical and the shaft
horizontal and vary the water level to control loading. For long runs and
>high power levels a radiator and circulating pump may be necessary.
>
>For some ball park type numbers, try 12 inch disks with about 50% of the
disk as 1/2 inch holes. Say 3 or 4 disk in all.
>
>Gives a very stable load and allows independent adjustment of load
>and rpm
>
>Paul Neelands
>
>
>