Rollercoaster Research Paper

Introduction and Background Research
Introduction
Rollercoasters are the product of intense, terrifying and thrilling manipulation of physics. However, there are physical limits in the design of a rollercoaster to ensure safe function while maximising fun. These physical limits include: The mass of a rollercoaster, so that it can: Safely and satisfactorily complete the course Maintain exhilaration The loops in the track, so that the rollercoaster: Can safely travel the entire loop Prevent injury in riders through controlling the size of forces acted
What are the Physics of Rollercoasters?
Energy

Rollercoasters work through utilising gravity and switching between potential energy and kinetic energy. Most rollercoasters start from rest

This can be achieved through either the rollercoaster travelling at a very fast speed or a smaller radius of the loop, as this is the divisor that determines centripetal acceleration. In circular loops, where the angle of turn is constant for the entire turn, rollercoasters must start the loop at a relatively high speed to ensure that this speed would be continued at the top. However, this impacts the riders through acting upon a greater force that is not only uncomfortable but can also cause injury.
Consequently, most loops are no longer circular and are rather clothoid, which allows for the forces needed to complete the loop to be balanced more easily. Clothoid loops work through having a sharper top turn than its sides and having a lower radius compared to circular loops, which in turn increases centripetal acceleration. This allows for rollercoasters to travel at slower speeds but still produce sufficient and necessary centripetal acceleration. Clothoid loops also provide deacceleration along its exit due to its wider radius, ultimately maintaining and safely applying essential forces for completion of the loop. Clothoid loops are hence safer for