Page 121 - How It Works - Book of Amazing Answers To Curious Questions, 12

Lift hill How do
The lift hill is the first rising
section of track containing
the drive mechanism to
raise the roller coaster to
the summit.
Headchopper
Designers build the layout tightly so
they 'appear' to risk chopping
passengers' heads off as they
approach! The reality is there's
ample clearance, but it's a big part
of the thrill.
How are roller coaster designe
oller coasters comprise many elements, Computer models can analyse the forces
Reach with its own specific physical that will be produced by each twist and turn,
characteristics. Designers give a ride character ensuring they are kept within specific
by applying an understanding of physics to boundaries. Roller coasters may look like a
build up a sequence of thrills. These are all random snake of track, but the reality is years
interrelated and mean the experience of every of scientific calculations to provide just the
ride is exciting and unique. right effects.
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net
roller
coasters
roll?
Roller coaster trains are
unpowered. They rely on an
initial application of
acceleration force, then
combine stored potential
energy and gravitational forces
to continue along the track.
This is why they rise and fall as
they twist and turn.
There are various methods
of launching a roller coaster.
Traditionally, a lift hill is used
-the train is pulled up a steep
section of track. It is released
at the top, where gravity
transfers potential energy into
kinetic energy, accelerating the
train. Launches can be via a
chain lift that locks onto the
underneath of the train, or a
motorised drive tyre system, or
a simple cable lift.
There is also the catapult
launch lift: the train is
accelerated very fast by an
engine or a dropped weight.
Newer roller coasters use
motors for launching. These
generate intense acceleration
on a flat section of track.
Linear induction motors use
electromagnetic force to pull
the train along the track. They
are very controllable with
modern electronics. Some
rides now have induction
motors at points along the
track, negating the need to
store all the energy at the lift
hill - giving designers more
opportunities to create new
sensations. Hydraulic launch
systems are also starting to
become more popular.
Careful calculation means a
roller coaster releases roughly
enough energy to complete the
course. At the end, a brake run
halts the train - this
compensates for different
velocities caused by varying
forces due to changing
passenger loads.
How It Works 121