Centrifugal force is the force trying to separate the weight from the crankshaft. The formula to calculate centrifugal force is F=mw^2r, where F is the force, w is the angular velocity in radians per second, and r is the radius of the center of mass of the mass. The angular velocity is squared in the formula so twice the rpm will give 4 times the force. The center of mass for a two dimensional part, like the counter weight, is the center of area as viewed from the side. It can be estimated or measured by hanging the weight and a string with a weight on it at the same point. A mark is drawn on the weight were the string lies. If you do this at two points, where the two lines cross is the center of mass. If the weight is symmetrical (they are), then the center of mass lies on the axis of symmetry.
In Brent's example above, the force at 7,500 rpm is 9 times what it is at 2,500 rpm. 3 squared = 9.
The angular velocity can be calculated by multiplying the rpm by 2 pi radians per revolution and divided by 60 seconds/minute. The radius has to be in feet. The mass has to be in slugs, which is the weight in pounds divided by 32.2 feet/seconds squared (gravity).
If you do the calculation, check the units. The result should be pounds force.
The centrifugal force is only part of the story. There is vibration and acceleration to consider. A big factor of safety has to be added, say 3 times or more what is calculated.
There will be a pop quiz on Monday.