Nearly all conventional piston engines have flywheels on them to smooth out engine vibrations caused by the thrust of individual piston firings. Why does the flywheel have this effect

This is because, the flywheel has a very large moment of Inertia and hence sudden piston torques have negligible effect on the flywheel, but every piston combined has a significant torque. This smoothens out the vibrations.

Explanation:

close lines strong magnet less close weaker