🎮 Controls: Click/drag or use WASD / Arrow Keys to steer Player 1 (Blue) toward the center bullseye to fight centrifugal sling! Watch the red force vectors.
1. The Centrifugal Force Law
In the rotating frame of reference, an outward apparent force acts on each mass:
a_c = ω² · r = (v_t)² / r
At the center (r = 0), centrifugal force is strictly zero! Moving outwards linearly amplifies ejection force, explaining why festival veterans rush the exact center.
2. Static Friction Limit (Breakaway)
Friction holds participants to the rotating timber deck up to a threshold:
F_friction_max = μ · m · g · cos(θ)
When ω² · r > μ · g, grip breaks and participants inevitably slide into the outer padded cushions.
3. The Traditional Teufelsrad Hazard
Invented around 1910 in Munich, festival showmasters introduce a heavy padded pendulum ball suspended from the ceiling to knock centered contestants away from the sweet spot.