Centrifuge physics calculator
Forces in a Laboratory Centrifuge
Translate relative centrifugal field into rotor speed, tangential velocity, force, momentum and kinetic energy. The model treats the sample as an ideal point mass.
Inputs
Based on a Beckman Type 100 Ti, beloved member of the family, along with Mascha and Dascha.
This is for Anna, ruler of all mycobacteria and other tiny life forms! May the centrifugal force be with you.
71,6 mm -The actual radius depends on the installed rotor.
Model boundary
This is an ideal point mass on a circular path. It does not model fluid behaviour, air resistance, impact, deformation, damage, rotor inertia or machine failure.
Results
Motion on the circular path
In the laboratory frame, velocity points along the tangent while centripetal acceleration and force point toward the centre. If the constraint disappeared, the point mass would initially continue along the tangent.
Schematic diagram; dimensions and vector lengths are not to scale.
Rotation
- Rotor speed revolutions per minute
- Rotation frequency revolutions per second
- Period of one revolution time per complete revolution
- Angular velocity radians per second
- Tangential speed
While constrained to the circular path
- Relative centrifugal field ratio to standard gravity
- Radial acceleration
- Required centripetal force force while constrained
- Equivalent mass at standard gravity mass whose weight equals this force
Hypothetical release
If the constraint disappeared instantaneously, the point mass would initially travel tangentially. Impact force and damage are not calculated.
- Initial tangential speed
- Momentum the same numeric value in N·s
- Kinetic energy translational point-mass energy
- Equivalent vacuum fall height same ideal point-mass speed under standard gravity
Familiar-object comparisons
Each column is a separate comparison with the calculated point mass.
| Object | Assumed mass | Speed with equal kinetic energy | Speed with equal momentum |
|---|
Object masses are illustrative assumptions. Equal energy or momentum does not imply equal impact effect or equal damage.