[Phys-l] mass and the ring down (free decay) of a pendulum

[Bernard Cleyet <bernardcleyet@redshift.com>]

PHYS-L, PHYSHARE, and TAP-L, people!

There is a controversy among the horological community on the effect of
pendulum mass on the steady state amplitude of an escapement driven
clock, in particular the impulsing by the gravity arm of a Synchronome
clock.  Theoretically for a simple pendulum clock with a decay constant
independent of the mass, there is, obviously, no effect.  However, the
free decay (they call it "run down") is, theoretically much effected;
the time is proportional to the mass.  I have searched somewhat
diligently and find no data (experimental) relating to this effect.  Do
any of you have such?

bc, frustrated.