If you’ve ever been on a roller coaster, you know the exhilaration (and queasiness!) that comes with their steep ascents, plunging drops, dizzying loops and breathtaking views. Roller coasters have captivated thrill seekers for centuries. But have you ever pondered the genius behind their construction? A lot of brilliant engineering prowess, imagination and innovation goes into these gravity-defying thrill rides. Let’s explore the science behind them.
From Ice Sledding to Modern Marvel
The first roller coaster opened in 1784 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Inspired by a form of ice sledding, the attraction was basically a collection of grooved tracks carrying carriages along. For centuries since, roller coaster engineers have continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation, from suspending riders in mid-air to plunging them down a tube on a bobsled.
Enter the record-breakers: The Kingda Ka at the Six Flags Park in Jackson Township, New Jersey, sits at an impressive 456 feet high and is the highest roller coaster in the world. This steel titan features a hydraulic motor that pushes trains towards its top hat feature at 128 miles per hour – in just under four seconds!
The Steel Vengeance at Cedar Point, Ohio, broke the records for innovation, speed and inversions. Its innovative “RMC” (Rocky Mountain Construction) track design allows for smooth, dynamic movements and unique elements like zero-gravity stalls and overbanked turns.
The Science Behind the Thrill
So, what goes into building your favorite roller coasters? Whether it’s an ultra-safe kiddie roller coaster or giant looping goliaths like the Kingda Ka or Steel Vengeance, engineers follow similar guidelines for design and construction. The science behind roller coasters is a fascinating blend of physics, engineering and human psychology.
Gravity is the primary factor that drives coasters. If you’ve ever been on one of these rides and felt your stomach reach your knees (or beyond), it’s because your body has been pushed beyond a comfortable g-force. Other factors engineers are challenged with are:
- structural integrity
- environmental conditions
For example, an engineer will determine if the roller coaster’s design and location can withstand an earthquake, hurricane or other extreme weather event while still providing thrills.
Crafting the Ultimate Coaster
Designing the perfect roller coaster depends on four key factors:
- rider demographics
- track material
- train or cart type
- track layout
Wooden tracks are built like old-fashioned railroad tracks and offer a unique sway during the ride. Steel tracks, on the other hand, are more rigid but create smoother, faster and more innovative rides.
The most traditional type of ride is the sit-down, in which the rider sits for the duration of the experience. There are nearly endless other options engineers may consider, though. This includes, for example, an inverted coaster (where the train runs beneath the tracks instead of on top) or a suspended coaster, where riders can feel like they are (safely) free-falling.
From Concept to Construction
Next, engineers will determine the track design. There are two kinds of main designs: Hills and loops. The hill is where the train climbs in anticipation before the drop, and it’s designed to add energy to the train. Loops (which also include helixes) may look scary, but aside from getting that fight-or-flight adrenaline pumping, they’re also built to help slow down the train so that riders don’t black out.
A lift mechanism provides the coaster with kinetic energy, which propels the cart on the track. Two types of lift mechanisms are:
- chain lifts, which pull the train up tracks like a conveyor belt.
- catapult-launch systems, which use energy and compressed air to move the train along.
Traveling at such speeds, any roller coaster needs a well-designed braking system. This includes brakes that are designed to slow the train down or stop the train completely, like during an emergency.
Computer-Aided Design
Of course, this entire process wouldn’t be possible without envisioning the prototype. Computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software allows engineers to model and test coaster designs before they’re built, which ensures safety and efficiency. Innovative new materials like carbon fiber have also helped create faster, smoother and more exhilarating rides.
Even after the roller coaster is built, engineers will conduct safety tests and provide preventative and continual maintenance.
Unwind the Engineering Behind Roller Coasters at The University of Texas at Austin
Are you inspired by the science behind roller coasters? If the thrill of amusement park rides fuels your passion, UT Austin’s 100% online mechanical engineering master’s degree can equip you with skills in physics, design, materials science and computer simulations to build the next generation of safe, mind-blowing coasters. Hands-on courses cover topics like dynamics, control systems and modeling techniques essential for creating innovative amusement park experiences. If pushing the boundaries of innovations inspire you, apply here to learn more!
