Toys- the Physics of Fun

Applied Science to Use of BDSM Toys

By Ben, NC Master


Over the years I have seen demonstrations and presentations regarding the use of various BDSM toys as well as read many essays or articles on the proper use and safety in the use of these toys. However, I don’t remember any one talking about the science behind the use of the toys. One can become proficient at the use of these toys without understanding the science, but to gain true Mastery of using the toys it is important to fully understand the science behind the sensations caused.

Let Me begin with a few basics of physics: (Just so we understand the vocabulary)

Mass is the amount of matter in a substance
Weight is the force of gravity on mass
Velocity is a measure of speed and direction
Acceleration is the change in velocity
Force is a push or pull upon an object resulting from the object's interaction with another object
Force is calculated by multiplying Mass times Acceleration
Pressure is force per unit of area

When we use BDSM toys we are creating sensations. These sensations can be gentle, soft, harsh, intense, erotic, painful, thuddy or stingy, just to use a few of the terms usually applied. In order to have true mastery of a toy, one must be able to control and precisely deliver the sensation desired. One must also understand the characteristics of the toy and what creates a given sensation.

I will use a flogger as an example. Floggers come in different weights, different number of falls, different materials, different lengths and width of the falls. Each of these factors influences the sensations. If we change the Mass of the flogger, we also change the Weight of the flogger. When the Mass is changed the Force the flogger delivers is also changed.

Velocity is a measure of speed and direction. When you use a flogger, you can vary both the speed the flogger is thrown and the direction at which it is thrown. Since Force is the result of Mass times Acceleration any change in Speed or Direction will change the sensation. True control of these factors can create many different sensations by the same toy.

Pressure can be understood as the totality of the sensation. Pressure is defined as Force per unit of area. If we apply a Force with a flogger that has wide falls or a large number of falls, the Force is spread over a larger surface area and therefore the Pressure is spread over a wider area and we get a “thuddy” sensation. If that same Force is applied to a flogger with narrow falls, the Force is limited to a smaller surface area and we get more Pressure and that creates a “stingy” sensation..

These same principles can be applied to every toy we use. Understanding the design and characteristics of each toy and how the science influences the sensations will allow you to become truly skilled and not just whacking away. Who said science isn’t fun?