A weighted component mounted on a pivot inside a rotating assembly, typically held inward by a spring. As rotational speed increases, centrifugal force drives the weight outward against the spring tension. This radial movement translates into axial motion through a linkage, commonly used to physically govern engine RPM or engage a centrifugal clutch.
Heard on the job
The engine keeps overspeeding because the flyweights in the mechanical governor are binding on their pivot pins.
Also heard as
- centrifugal weight