UNIVERSITY OF MOSUL

College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Dep.
2023-2024
Laboratories Report :
Centrifugal force measurement

Prepared by student: Salim Sinan

Under the supervision of Dr. Omar
Introduction
The centrifugal force apparatus is designed to enable the students
to determine the magnitude of the centrifugal force due to a mass
revolving on an arm. Each of the parameters mass, radius of the arm and
the angular velocity may be varied and the effect of each one of these
variations on the value of the centrifugal force can be observed.

Apparatus
A schematic diagram of the centrifugal force apparatus is shown in
Fig. (1). The horizontal rod AB is rotated about the vertical axis Y by a
variable speed motor. The arm CD and EF are fixed to the rod AB by
locking bolts but their distance (r) from the axis of rotation can be varied.
Bell-cranks are pivoted at the point D and E. Each Bell-cranks carries two
masses and as shown in figure (1).
These masses can also be varied. At a low speed of the rod, the bell-
cranks rest on the supports G and H. when the rotational speed of the rod
is gradually increased, the bell-cranks float from the supports G and H
and rest on the supports I and J.

Objects
1. To study the relation between different parameters (ma , mb , r ) on
angular velocity.
2. To determine the angular velocity experimentally and then
compare it with the measured value under the same condition.

D E
Procedure
1. Connect the motor of the apparatus to a single-phase AC supply
through the control unit.
2. Turn, clockwise, the regulator of the control unit gradually to increase
the speed of the motor.
3. Start increasing the motor speed unit you hear a click at the upper
supports (I & J). Record the motor speed at this point. Repeat the
above procedure decreasing the motor speed until again you hear a
sound of click at the lower support (G & H), then record the motor
speed. Now, take the average reading of the upper two speeds.
4. Bring the digital on the control unit to zero by pressing knob near it.
5. Press the counter knob for recoding revolution and simultaneously
start a stopwatch. Also, count the number of the green flashes, which
indicates the number of revolutions.
6. After about 30 seconds press the counter knob again and
simultaneously stop the watch.
7. Find the angular speed (ω) of the rod AB from the following formula:

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝜔= × 2𝜋 … … … … … … … … … … 1
𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
8. Stop the motor and change either the masses (ma & mb) or the
distance (r) of the arm as required.
9. Repeat the procedure above for the other readings.

Theory
When the bell-cranks are floating that is, not touching either of the
supports, the force acting on a bell-cranks are shown in figure 2.
Taking moment about D, we get
𝑚𝑎𝑟𝜔 𝑎 − 𝑚𝑏𝑔𝑏 = 0
2

Or
𝑚𝘣 𝑏 g
𝜔2 = ( ) ( ) ( ) ………………..…..……………. 2
𝑚𝑎 𝑎 𝑟
ma rω2

For this apparatus b/a =12/ 7

mb(r-b)ω2

Fig. 2 mb g
2
Therefore,
▪ If mass (ma) and the arm distance (r) are kept constant
𝜔 2 𝛼 𝑚𝑏
▪ If mass (mb) and the arm distance (r) are kept constant
1
𝜔2𝛼
𝑚𝑎
▪ If masses (ma &mb) are kept constant
1
𝜔2 𝛼
𝑟
▪ If masses (ma & mb) and the distance (r) are known, then (ω) may
be determine from above.

Sample of calculation :

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Table of results

▪ If mass (ma) and the arm distance (r) are kept constant
Ma (gr) Mb (gr) r(cm) N (rev) w2exp (rad/s) w2th (rev/s) Fexp (N) Fth (N)
450 700 11.5 71 221.1230035 227.4782609 11.44312 11.772
450 800 11.5 73 233.7560971 259.9751553 12.09688 13.45371
450 900 11.5 82 294.9476444 292.4720497 15.26354 15.13543

▪ If mass (mb) and the arm distance (r) are kept constant
Ma (gr) Mb (gr) r(cm) N (rev) w2exp (rad/s) w2th (rev/s) Fexp (N) Fth (N)
450 800 11.5 73 233.7560971 259.9751553 12.09688 13.45371
550 800 11.5 69 208.8408291 212.7069452 13.20918 13.45371
700 800 11.5 61 163.2213243 167.1268855 13.13932 13.45371

▪ If masses (ma &mb) are kept constant

Ma (gr) Mb (gr) r(cm) N (rev) w2exp (rad/s) w2th (rev/s) Fexp (N) Fth (N)
550 800 11.5 69 208.8408291 212.7069452 13.20918 13.45371
550 800 13 64 179.670665 188.1638362 12.84645 13.45371
550 800 14.5 60 157.9136704 168.6986117 12.59362 13.45371

Graphs charts :

▪ If mass (ma) and the arm distance (r) are kept constant
exp th

290

280

270

260

250

240

230

220
700 750 800 850 900
MB (GR)

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▪ If mass (mb) and the arm distance (r) are kept constant
exp th

232

222

212
W2 (REV/S)

202

192

182

172

162
450 500 550 600 650 700
MA (GR)

▪ If masses (ma &mb) are kept constant

exp th

206

196
W2 (REV/S)

186

176

166

156
11.5 12 12.5 13 13.5 14 14.5
R(CM)

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Discussion the source of error between theory and experiment
results:

There are slight differences between the values measured

theoretically and those measured practically, attributed to the
lack of precision in practical measurements due to human
error, potential delays or haste in stopping the timer, as well
as neglecting environmental factors during the experiment,
losses resulting from friction, device inaccuracies, and more.

Some applications where centrifugal force is utilized :

1. Laboratory Centrifuges: Separating particles in biochemistry

and diagnostics.

2. Washing Machines: Removing water from clothes during the

spin cycle.

3. Centrifugal Pumps: Transporting fluids in industries.

4. Automobile Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Detecting wheel

speed for safe braking.

5. Centrifugal Compressors: Increasing gas pressure in various

industries.

6. Artificial Gravity in Space Stations: Creating gravity in long-

duration space flights.

7. Centrifugal Governors in Engines: Regulating engine speed.

8. Centrifugal Clutches in Vehicles: Engaging and disengaging

transmission based on engine speed.

9. Particle Separation in Industries: Separating particles in

pharmaceutical and chemical production.

10. Rotary Separators in Agriculture: Separating grain from chaff

during harvesting.
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