What is an "Engine" Dynamometer?

Well that's easy!  Its a dynamometer that attaches directly to the engine!  Like the one shown here.  This one looks as if its in intensive care!  And it is.  Everything is monitored very carefully.  Engine dynos like this are used by big car manufacturers, race engine builders, and things like formula 1 cars. 

They allow for total access, control of all parameters and can simulate race conditions and more!   They are usually braked dynos, but not always.  And not always this complex either!

Some people have built very simple engine dynos for things like model aircraft engines, and kart engines.  These basically are just an engine driving a flywheel either directly or via a chain, or shaft.

All that we need now is something to count and time pulses from the flywheel!  A single sensor, or ignition pulse can be used.  If we calculate the flywheels mass (rotational mass) then we can calculate the power curve using simple maths!  This forms a very rudimentary engine Dynamometer!

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