The formula for mechanical efficiency is:
Mechanical efficiency = (Brake horsepower / Indicated horsepower) * 100
Where:
Brake horsepower (bhp) is the power output of the engine measured at the crankshaft.
Indicated horsepower (ihp) is the theoretical power output of the engine without considering any losses.
For most gasoline engines, the mechanical efficiency is typically around 75%. This means that for a 20bhp engine, the indicated horsepower would be:
Indicated horsepower = (Brake horsepower / Mechanical efficiency) * 100
Indicated horsepower = (20 bhp / 0.75) * 100
Indicated horsepower = 26.67 ihp
Therefore, the rated power of an engine with a brake horsepower of 20bhp and a mechanical efficiency of 75% would be 26.67 ihp.