摘要 |
A high-speed flywheel includes a composite rim supported for rotation about a central axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the rim. The rim includes at least a pair of rim portions or regions of differing elastic modulus in the circumferential direction of the material forming the rim. Moreover, a radially outer portion of the rim has a higher elastic modulus in the circumferential direction, while a radially inner portion of the rim has a lower elastic modulus in the circumferential direction. This variation of circumferential elastic modulus is achieved by a selected radial variation of the angle of the fiber reinforcement material relative to the circumferential direction of the rim. A result is that the radially inner portion of the rim transfers radial force to the outer portion, with a resulting lower radial stress in the radially inner portion of the flywheel rim. An improved speed of operation and greater energy storage for the flywheel is achieved.
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