Flywheels achieving linear motion

[gniticxe]

If dlavery has some examples for you, I'd go with them. But from what you said about the electromagnet, I don't think that I was clear in explaining the idea.

A battery is connected to the flywheel via a commutated shaft and brushes. Once the disc is up to speed, a switch is thrown to allow power to flow from the battery, through the commutator, and through an electromagnet. The magnetic field then pulls a ferromagnetic rod out past the outside of the disc. The rod you want to transfer the energy to is positioned so that the ferromagnetic rod will impact it.

Because of the centripetal force you spoke of, a spring will need to be attached to the disc and the rod to prevent it from extending prematurely.

Be careful in using this especially if you're turning it at speeds where the stress on the materials is close to their yield strength! Is your “medium size” motor a hobby or industrial “medium” ie 0.25hp or 100hp?