How Much Horsepower is a Horse?

Donut

Donut

28 min, 43 sec

An experiment to determine the real horsepower of a horse, challenging a centuries-old claim.

Summary

  • The concept of horsepower is historically based on estimates made by James Watt, which modern science questions.
  • Engineer Jeremiah Burton, with the help of Donut Media and Motivo Engineering, builds a rig to measure a horse's power output using a dyno.
  • After overcoming technical issues and ensuring safety measures, a draft horse named Big D undergoes the test.
  • The final calculated crank horsepower of Big D is determined to be 5.7 horsepower.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Horsepower Concept

0:00 - 40 sec

Exploring the history and validity of the horsepower measurement.

Exploring the history and validity of the horsepower measurement.

  • The term 'horsepower' is challenged with historical experiments showing inconsistencies.
  • James Watt's 18th-century experiments are considered to be more of an advertisement for his steam engines rather than scientific fact.

Chapter 2

Sponsor Segment: KC HiLiTES

0:48 - 1 min, 34 sec

Promotion of KC HiLiTES off-road lighting products with a discount offer.

Promotion of KC HiLiTES off-road lighting products with a discount offer.

  • KC HiLiTES is introduced as Donut's official off-road lighting partner.
  • Various products are showcased along with a 15% discount offer using a promo code.

Chapter 3

James Watt's Legacy

2:27 - 1 min, 46 sec

Understanding James Watt's influence on the horsepower term.

Understanding James Watt's influence on the horsepower term.

  • James Watt's improvements to the steam engine led to his comparison to horse labor.
  • Watt's claim that his steam engine could do the work of several horses was a strategic marketing move.

Chapter 4

Selecting the Right Horse

4:28 - 1 min, 22 sec

Choosing a horse suitable for the dyno test.

Choosing a horse suitable for the dyno test.

  • A variety of horse breeds present a challenge in standardizing 'horsepower'.
  • A horse named Big D is selected for his draft horse characteristics and similarities to the horses used in Watt's time.

Chapter 5

Building the Horse Dyno

5:56 - 2 min, 41 sec

The design and construction of a horse-powered dyno.

The design and construction of a horse-powered dyno.

  • The team designs a rig to transfer a horse's linear pulling power to a dyno.
  • An inertial dyno is chosen to measure the power output from the horse.

Chapter 6

Seeking Expertise

8:58 - 1 min, 31 sec

Collaborating with experts to refine the horse dyno concept.

Collaborating with experts to refine the horse dyno concept.

  • Jeremiah realizes he needs professional help and contacts Adam Savage for advice.
  • Adam suggests consulting a mechanical engineer to ensure scientific accuracy.

Chapter 7

Partnering with Motivo Engineering

10:29 - 2 min, 30 sec

Enlisting Motivo Engineering to assist with the project.

Enlisting Motivo Engineering to assist with the project.

  • Motivo Engineering, known for ambitious projects, agrees to help build the horse dyno system.
  • The team at Motivo starts planning and testing to ensure the project's success.

Chapter 8

Finalizing the Horse Dyno Build

13:15 - 1 min, 45 sec

Completing the construction of the horse dyno rig.

Completing the construction of the horse dyno rig.

  • The rig is nearly complete with only a few adjustments left.
  • Jeremiah helps with welding to secure the structure for the dyno.

Chapter 9

Testing Human Horsepower

15:00 - 2 min, 3 sec

Testing the dyno with human power for calibration.

Testing the dyno with human power for calibration.

  • Before testing with Big D, the team tests the dyno's accuracy with their own pulling power.
  • The team manages to generate up to 1.9 horsepower by pulling together.

Chapter 10

Big D's Dyno Test

17:04 - 9 min, 38 sec

Conducting the dyno test with Big D to measure his horsepower.

Conducting the dyno test with Big D to measure his horsepower.

  • Safety protocols are emphasized for Big D during the test.
  • Multiple tests are conducted to ensure accurate and consistent data.

Chapter 11

Revealing the True Horsepower

26:42 - 2 min, 0 sec

Announcing the true horsepower of a horse.

Announcing the true horsepower of a horse.

  • After crunching the numbers, Big D's crank horsepower is revealed to be 5.7.
  • The team celebrates the successful completion of the experiment.

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