Centrifugal Force Calculator v1

Subject

A centrifugal force is applied by an orbiting mass on its force centre.

A centripetal force is applied by a force centre on an orbiting mass.

These two opposing forces exist in every rotating and orbiting body as action and reaction.

Whilst they affect our every-day lives in; wheels, machines, circus rides and satellites, the most important manifestation of such forces is in celestial bodies, which is the primary subject of;
Isaac Newton’s Principia

The Centrifugal force calculator determines the properties and behaviour of orbiting and rotating bodies in both general and special situations.

Centripegal includes five calculation options: General, Escape Altitude, Escape Velocity, Banking and Wheels. The general calculation option applies to any mass restrained by a cord or arm rotated about a central point.

For help using this calculator see Technical Help

Centrifugal Force Calculator - Options

General

A calculation facility for a mass attached to the end of a cord or arm that is rotated about its fixed end causing the mass to rise with increased speed. As the cord approaches horizontal; i.e. 'Radius' and 'Length' are equal, the centrifugal force exerted by the mass is large enough to render gravitational force ineffective:

You enter:	and the centrifugal force calculator will provide:
Revs per minute Radius Mass Length	Angle Velocity Centrifugal force Force

Escape Altitude

A calculation facility designed for the escape altitude for the earth that can be applied to any force centre by altering its ‘Revs per day’ (see the technical help page)

You enter:	and the centrifugal force calculator will provide:
Revs per day Planet radius Planet mass Altitude Gravitational constant (input only)	The missing values

Escape Velocity

This is essentially the same as the ‘Escape Altitude’ calculation option, except that the rotary velocity (m/s, ft/s, etc.) entered for the orbiting body is independent of the rotational speed of the planet around which it is orbiting

You enter:	and the centrifugal force calculator will provide:
Velocity Planet radius Planet mass Altitude Gravitational constant (input only)	The missing values

Banking

This is a calculation facility for the angle of inclination (camber) of a road surface on a bend that would cause a car travelling along it to maintain a constant line or direction with respect to the centre of the road with no input from the driver

You enter:	and the centrifugal force calculator will provide:
Velocity Radius Gravitational acceleration	Banking angle

Wheels

This facility allows you to determine whether or not your constant thickness wheel will distort or shatter at its intended speed

You enter:	and the centrifugal force calculator will provide:
Revs per minute Inside radius Outside radius Density	Maximum stress Radius of gyration Linear velocity

Check minimum system requirements