Definition
A speed-limiting brake mechanism that uses outward-flying weights, driven by rotational force, to apply friction against a stationary drum or housing when a preset rotational speed is exceeded. As speed rises, the weights swing outward and drag against the surrounding surface, slowing the rotating component back down.
Plain English
A built-in safety brake that automatically slows something down if it starts spinning too fast. It works by letting small weights fly outward as speed increases, which presses them against a surface and creates drag.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance descriptions of engine starters and other rotating equipment that must not overspeed.
Derivation
From Latin centrum (center) and fugere (to flee). 'Centrifugal' literally means 'fleeing the center,' which describes how the weights swing outward as the part spins faster. Knowing this makes the action of the brake easy to picture.
Why Pilots Care
Protects rotating components from destructive overspeed by engaging without pilot input or electrical power.
Intuition Check
Do not think of this as a wheel brake or cockpit brake pedal. It is an internal automatic brake that reacts to spinning speed.
Example Sentence 1
The inertia starter uses a centrifugal brake to keep the flywheel from spinning beyond its rated speed during wind-up.
Example Sentence 2
Mechanics inspected the centrifugal brake shoes for wear after a reported overspeed event on the constant-speed propeller.