What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to transform values measured in poundals, a unit of force from the foot–pound–second system, into US assay tons, a historical mass unit used primarily in mining and precious-metal assays.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the numeric value in poundal [pdl] you wish to convert.
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Select the source unit as poundal [pdl].
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Choose the target unit ton (assay) (US) [AT (US)].
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Click convert to see the equivalent amount in assay tons.
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Use the result for interpreting mining assay reports or engineering data involving FPS units.
Key Features
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Converts poundal (pdl) force units to ton (assay) (US) [AT (US)] mass units
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Useful for reconciling classical FPS engineering data with mining assay measurements
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Handles units relevant in both physics and historical metallurgical contexts
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Browser-based and easy to use without specialized software
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Supports interpretation of historical and contractual ore settlement data
Examples
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2 poundals [pdl] convert to approximately 0.965946374 ton (assay) (US) [AT (US)]
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5 poundals [pdl] equal about 2.414865935 ton (assay) (US) [AT (US)]
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting classical dynamics problems and older engineering ballistics texts using FPS units
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Reporting precious-metal concentrations on assay certificates using assay tons
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Calculating ore shipment settlements based on metal content per assay ton
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Converting legacy FPS force measurements into historically defined mass units for resource estimation
Tips & Best Practices
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Be aware that poundal is a unit of force whereas ton (assay) (US) is a mass unit, so conversions require contextual understanding
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Specify the exact assay ton definition used due to jurisdictional variability
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Use conversion results as guidance when interpreting historical data rather than precise engineering calculations
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Cross-reference with modern units such as grams per tonne for resource reporting
Limitations
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Poundal is fundamentally a force unit, while ton (assay) is a mass unit with historically varying definitions
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Direct conversion assumes contextual equivalences not always physically exact
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The US assay ton’s mass varies by jurisdiction, so precise use requires clarifying the applied standard
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a poundal?
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The poundal is a unit of force in the foot–pound–second system used to express force or weight in FPS mechanics.
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What does ton (assay) (US) represent?
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It is a historical mining mass unit used for standard sample mass in precious-metal assay, with varying mass definitions depending on jurisdiction.
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Can I use this conversion for precise engineering calculations?
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No, because the poundal is a force unit and the ton (assay) is a historically variable mass unit, exact conversions require contextual assumptions.
Key Terminology
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Poundal (pdl)
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A unit of force in the foot–pound–second system, defined as the force producing 1 ft/s² acceleration on a 1 lb mass.
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Ton (assay) (US) [AT (US)]
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A historical mining mass unit representing standard sample mass for precious-metal content, with variable definitions by jurisdiction.
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FPS system
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A system of measurement involving foot, pound, and second units, often used in classical mechanics.