It is difficult to arrest the primary context for dynamometer use in precise terms; their application ranges from the measurement of force exerted by a human hand as well as the measurement of combustion engine horsepower. Read More…

Leading Manufacturers
SAKOR Technologies, Inc.
Owosso, MI | 989-720-2700We provide dynamometer test controls and equipment for a wide range of applications. Our test cell control system is compatible with all types of dynamometers, including AC & DC motoring dynos & Water Brake Systems. Our products all include the durability & quality customers expect from SAKOR. Our dynamometers are powerful & affordable for the automotive, aerospace & heavy equipment industries.

Phoenix Dynamometer Technologies LLC
Sturtevant, WI | 818-746-3649Phoenix Dynamometer Technologies LLC offers the most comprehensive approach to water re-circulation systems, data acquisition systems, and dynamometers in the industry. Along with these high performance products, we also offer business continuity and a competitive advantage for our customers. Come and experience the kind of service that sets us above our competitors. We would love to serve you today. Call or visit us online!

HORIBA Instruments Inc.
Ann Arbor, MI | 734-213-6555Check out the new HORIBA. As HORIBA Automotive Test Systems, we are a leading company in engine, driveline and emissions testing systems, including dynamometers, brake testers and wind tunnel balances testing tools. Plus, HORIBA Contract Testing Services can do the testing for you.

Tractel
Norwood, MA | 800-421-0246Tractel is a leader in the industry featuring agriculture dynamometers, engine dynamometers and electric motor dynamometers for torque measurement. With more than five decades of dynamometer manufacturing and service, Tractel continually strives to better serve the needs of customers. We ensure the right product for any application offering several dyno models and complete turnkey test cells.

Link Engineering Company
Plymouth, MI | 734-453-0800Link Engineering is a 65-year-old manufacturer of custom dynamometers—full-scale aircraft inertia dynamometers, automotive dynamometers, brake dynamometers, chassis dynamometers and truck dynamometers. We can also supply you with refurbished brake dynamometers. Our multinational organization serves the passenger car, truck, trailer, bus, motorcycle, aircraft, & off-road vehicle industries.

Brake dynamometers are most widely used in the measurement of the forces generated by motors. In that context, brake dynamometers can be considered varieties of engine dynamometers or motor testers. They take their name from the method by which they produce measurements of force generation in an engine. A brake is a utility that inhibits motion in a machine. When a brake is applied to a motor, it resists the movement that results from the force generated by that motor.
The amount of force necessary to inhibit motion can be measured, and the expression of that measurement and its appearance on a display is the fulfillment of a brake dynamometer's purpose. One of the first ever brake dynamometers was the de Prony brake, invented by Gaspard de Prony in 1821.
The de Prony brake is a mechanical friction brake. Wrapping a belt or cord around the output shaft of the engine and measuring the force transferred to the belt produces the measurement. Measurement takes place by attaching a pair of spring balances to the brake.
While the shaft is rotating, one balance will show an increase in tension and the other will show a decrease in tension. Water brake dynamometers, also called hydraulic dynamometers, are very popular for engine testing because they have a high power capability while remaining inexpensive to operate. The most common type of water brake is called a variable level water brake. In this type of brake dynamometer, water is added until the engine is held at a steady RPM. The water is then kept at that level and replaced by constant draining and refilling that carries away the heat created by absorbing the horsepower. In response to the torque, the housing attempts to rotate, but it is restrained by the torque metering cell.