Whippletree (mechanism)

For the tree historically called a whipple-tree, see Cornus.
A set of whippletrees or leader-bars for the two leaders of a four-horse team

A whippletree, or whiffletree,[1][2] is a mechanism to distribute force evenly through linkages. It is also referred to as an equalizer, leader bar, or double tree. It consists of a bar pivoted at or near the centre, with force applied from one direction to the pivot and from the other direction to the tips. Several whippletrees may be used in series to distribute the force further, such as to simulate pressure over an area as when applying loading to test airplane wings. Whippletrees may be used either in compression or tension. They were also used for subtraction and addition calculations in mechanical computers. Tension whippletrees are used in artful hung mobiles, such as those by artist Alexander Calder.

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  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference walrond79 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).