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  • Re: Centrifugal Force

    Before proceeding with this topic, one should go back through the
    BIOMECH archives to a discussion in March, 1999 on this subject.

    The thing called "Centrifugal" force is a confection of physics and
    lay terminology that probably should be avoided in scientific
    discussions. It is one of what Feynman calls "pseudo-forces." It
    means a force in a rotating coordinate system that is directed
    outward from the center.

    So what generates such forces. Certainly not rotation. On the other
    hand, if I am on the merry-go-round, I feel I am being thrown outward
    as I reach for the brass ring. But I am not actually being thrown
    outward. I am being pulled in a circle (accelerated inward) by my
    wooden horse and the pole I am holding onto.

    So, Centrifugal force is like D'Alembert's force and Coriolis force.
    It is a book-keeping entry in the equations of motion. That is, it is
    a reaction term to a force that produces acceleration.
    --
    __________________________________________________ _________________
    | Gerald Gottlieb (617) 358-0719
    | NeuroMuscular Research Center 353-9757
    | Boston University fax 353-5737
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