Flail as a Weapon

[typhoon_driver]

Apologies. Let's take it back to basics. So the equation for kinetic energy in a straight line = 0.5 x mass x velocity squared. Now when it comes to rotational kinetic energy instead of mass we use a term called the moment of inertia. Without going into detail this is a term which relates how the mass is spread around the center of rotation. There are various standard figures for this and other more complex ways to calculate it. Instead of linear velocity we use a term call angular velocity. The units of this are in radians. The long and short of it is that there are 2 x pi radians in 360 degrees (without going into detail). So we instead get 0.5 x moment of inertia x angular velocity squared.

Another way to calculate it is using this handy online calculator http://www.teamcosmos.com/ke/ke.shtml

That's probably confused you some more but dinner is ready so I need to go.

edit - Just to add, I would go speak to your physics teacher about this. Being able to put it in a real world example will certainly make equations of motion more interesting!

[Matthew]

Thanks Typhoon helps a lot. I am struggling to think of a suitable weight. I was thinking about a metal yo yo or a golf ball with screws sticking out to pierce or able to transfer more force into the opponent.
Any ideas?

[typhoon_driver]

I'd look at using a solid lump of metal. Now this being for a beetleweight, something like the head of this hammer might be a suitable candidate with the hickory handle removed and a chain attached through the hole.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Geological...item2a4cbacf99

I suspect you could find something similar for cheaper. But a big lump of steel or similar is likely to be your best option for a flail head.

edit - I'm not sure what access to workshop equipment you have?