I was feeding a planer belted to a steam engine at a show when a 12” dia. or so wooden pulley blew apart, definitely scary stuff! And reminds you to always pay attention to your surroundings and where you and others are standing.
A very interesting pc of history and 1 not to be ignored!!!
All kinds of flywheels can explode when stressed.
Imagine the flywheel letting go right between your legs...
in a Slingshot drag racer! Thankfully, there are special
shrouds to keep your legs and jewels safe.
From my own experience....I had a blade come off a 1962 Volvo
engine fan (two-bladed) when I blipped the gas just before
shutting it off. Bang, and right thru the hood. Never found
the blade. Perfect exit slot in the hood. And, a blade came
off a Chevy six fan right thru the inner wheel-well cover.
Gotta watch out for that 'third' time!
Lucky to be alive,
Wayne