Abstract
The distribution of mass in a handheld object is a fundamental and potent but largely unrecognized component of the object's “feel. ” In order to supply information to designers of consumer products trying to improve tool “feel” and to further psychophysical understanding of it, we performed careful studies (1) to determine Weber fractions related to moment of inertia sensitivity and (2) to study the interaction of weight and moment of inertia as they influence the user's perception of feel. Results showed that moment of inertia sensitivity is about 1/10 that for lifting lightweights and that subjects can clearly distinguish the difference between the two sensations, putting more emphasis on moment of inertia in forming their judgments.
In addition to their scientific use, the results are useful to the design of common handheld tools and sports equipment.
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