Centripetal acceleration is a change in speed along a vector that corresponds to the radius of curvature r (from the center of curvature through the instant location, at right angles to the tangent velocity at the instant location), and is inversely related to r, that is, the tighter the curve the greater the centripetal force required to depart from a straight line, and greater the ‘centrifugal force’. Centripetal force applied to the moving mass causes it to deviate from a straight path. A=F/M.
Centripetal acceleration can be sensed inertially as “centrifugal force”, by translation in the visual field of a future-target location ahead along the path, in perceptions of the diverse exertions maintaining posture if e.g. in a moving car, probably in other ways. I should say centripetal velocity when the radius of curvature is constant, though centrifugal force even with constant r has inertial effects that feel like acceleration.
Years ago, Isaak Kurtzer did his PhD work at Brandeis experimenting with motor control with subjects on a large rotating platform.
Something could be improvised on the kind of merry-go-round that is often among the equipment on childrens’ playgrounds.
Unfortunately, after getting his degree Isaak appears to have chosen a safer career path that does not involve PCT research.
Tom Bourbon was his teacher, so Bill’s principled but unfortunately tone-deaf dealing with the controversy about coercion and Ed Ford’s education program, and Tom’s subsequent alienation after Vancouver, may have had some influence. Search for Kurtzer in the archive.