What phenomenon does a flywheel help stabilize in an engine?

A flywheel is designed to stabilize torque fluctuations in an engine. As an engine operates, especially in internal combustion engines, it experiences variations in power output due to the intermittent nature of combustion. These fluctuations can create a less smooth operation and can lead to jerky movements or vibrations in the engine.

The flywheel is a heavy rotating disk that stores kinetic energy. When the engine generates excess torque, the flywheel absorbs this energy and helps maintain a more constant speed by releasing this stored energy when the torque decreases. This function effectively dampens the variations in torque output, allowing for smoother operation and improving engine efficiency.

In contrast, combustion cycles refer to the sequence of events during fuel ignition and power generation, which a flywheel doesn't directly stabilize. Temperature variations involve thermal changes in engine components, which are managed through other cooling systems. Frictional loss relates to inefficiencies inside the engine, but the flywheel does not address this issue directly. Thus, the role of a flywheel is crucial in achieving a balanced and efficient engine performance by stabilizing torque fluctuations.