Whirling arm
Date
ca.1746
Creator
Benjamin Robins (1707 - 1751, British) , Mathematician
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Dimensions
height (drawing): 190mm
width (drawing): 288mm
width (drawing): 288mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Scheme for a machine for conducting experiments in aerodynamics and drag [‘resistance of the air’]. The mechanism’s drum was spun rapidly by a falling weight which in turn revolved an arm (of 4 feet in length) attached to the conical head of the device. Bodies for testing were attached to this and achieved speeds of several feet per second for brief periods.
The text by Benjamin Robins accompanying this illustration states that: ‘I therefore caused a Machine to be made of the Form represented in the annexed Drawing which was most excellently executed under the Direction of Mr. Ellicott: and was completely fitted for the use intended by many Contrivances some of them not in the Drawing…’
John Ellicott (1706-1772) British watchmaker and scientist, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1738.
Benjamin Robins (1707-1751) British mathematician and military engineer was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1727.
The text by Benjamin Robins accompanying this illustration states that: ‘I therefore caused a Machine to be made of the Form represented in the annexed Drawing which was most excellently executed under the Direction of Mr. Ellicott: and was completely fitted for the use intended by many Contrivances some of them not in the Drawing…’
John Ellicott (1706-1772) British watchmaker and scientist, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1738.
Benjamin Robins (1707-1751) British mathematician and military engineer was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1727.
Associated place