Home Back

How To Calculate Brake Power

Brake Power Formula:

\[ BP = \frac{2\pi N T}{60} \]

rpm
Nm

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What Is Brake Power?

Brake Power (BP) is the actual power available at the engine crankshaft or output shaft. It represents the useful power delivered by an engine after accounting for all mechanical losses and is measured in watts (W).

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the brake power formula:

\[ BP = \frac{2\pi N T}{60} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula converts rotational mechanical power into electrical power units, accounting for the conversion from revolutions per minute to radians per second.

3. Importance Of Brake Power Calculation

Details: Brake power calculation is essential for engine performance analysis, mechanical system design, power transmission optimization, and efficiency evaluation in various engineering applications.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter rotational speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) and torque in Newton-meters (Nm). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between brake power and indicated power?
A: Indicated power is the total power developed in the engine cylinders, while brake power is the actual power available at the output shaft after accounting for mechanical losses.

Q2: How is brake power measured experimentally?
A: Brake power is typically measured using dynamometers that apply a braking load to the engine output shaft and measure the resulting torque and speed.

Q3: What factors affect brake power output?
A: Engine design, mechanical efficiency, operating conditions, temperature, lubrication, and maintenance all influence brake power output.

Q4: Can brake power be higher than indicated power?
A: No, brake power is always less than indicated power due to mechanical losses such as friction, pumping losses, and accessory drive requirements.

Q5: What are typical brake power values for different engines?
A: Brake power varies widely depending on engine size and type, ranging from a few hundred watts for small engines to several megawatts for large industrial engines.

How To Calculate Brake Power© - All Rights Reserved 2025