what does bhp mean in context of engine powers?

Question

i have heard of hp (horse power) but then what's this bhp?. why engine powers are always mentioned in bhp units. engineers please answer.

Answer 1

BHP means Brake Horse Power. In engine testing labs an engine can be connected to a large wheel that includes a brake that can be tightened at the circumference of the wheel (similar to brake drums on a car but larger). The resistance of the brake can be exerted against a dynamometer that measures the static force necessary to prevent the brake from rotating. That force times the distance from the center of the wheel defines torque. And developed torque time the rate of rotation of the wheel is a measure of power (energy per unit time - foot-pounds per second, etc.) that can be expressed as horsepower. Because the horsepower was determined using a brake, it is called brake horsepower. It is often used for engines with flywheels and therefore represents the average horsepower of a an cycle that may not be in itself very smooth.

Answer 2

Brake horsepower (bhp) is the measure of an engine's horsepower without the loss in power caused by the gearbox, generator, differential, water pump and other auxiliaries. The actual horsepower delivered to the driving wheels is less. An engine would have to be retested to obtain a rating in another system. The term "brake" refers to the use of a band brake to measure torque during the test (which is multiplied by the engine speed in revs/sec and the circumference of the band to give the power).

Answer 3

Brake Horse Power.

Answer 4

bhp means brake horse power. it is the power generated by the engine with full application of brakes this is a better indicator of power delivered by the engine hence is used by manufactures for describing their engine capability

Answer 5

brake horsepower