poundal [pdl] Unit Converter

Definition of poundal [pdl] unit

A poundal is a unit of force in the foot–pound–second (FPS) system. It is the force required to accelerate a one-pound mass at one foot per second squared, equal to approximately 0.138255 newtons in the SI system.

History of poundal [pdl] unit

The poundal was introduced in the nineteenth century as part of the British foot–pound–second system, developed to express mechanical quantities using units. James Thomson is credited with proposing the term in 1876, helping distinguish force from mass in a coherent absolute system. Its definition follows directly from Newton’s second law: one poundal produces an acceleration of one foot per second squared in a one-pound mass. Although used in engineering texts and physics education, the poundal gradually declined as the pound-force and, later, the SI newton became more widely adopted internationally.

Applications of poundal [pdl] unit

Today, the poundal appears mainly in historical discussions, older engineering references, and educational examples involving absolute unit systems. It can still describe small forces in theoretical mechanics or legacy FPS calculations, but modern technical work generally uses newtons. Conversion tools may include it when comparing poundals with pound-force, dynes, or SI units.

Complete list of poundal [pdl] unit conversion