CF

CF is the abbreviation for Centripetal Force or Centrifugal Force. Since these two forces are always equal and opposite the two terms get used interchangeably.

Centrifugal Force (the one with the ‘F’) is the outward “to Flee” force.

A simple formula for calculating CF is

CF = k • W • R • N^2

k = constant based on the units being used.

W = weight

R = radius to center of gyration of the weight

N = number of rotations per unit of time

When

W = pounds, R = inches, N = RPM then k = 0.000028403397

W = pounds, R = feet, N = RPM then k = 0.000340840764

If the weight doubles the CF is doubled.

If the radius doubles then CF is doubled.

If the speed doubles then CF is squared.

CF will equal gravity at 1 RPM and a radius of 187.635 inches.

CF will equal gravity at 10 RPM and a radius of 59.336 inches.

CF will equal gravity at 20 RPM and a radius of 41.957 inches.

CF will equal gravity at 59.336 RPM and a radius of 10 inches.

CF will equal gravity at 187.635 RPM and a radius of 1 inch.