Can a Fushigi Gravity Ball replace K'NEX cars on a rollercoaster?

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    Rollercoaster
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a Fushigi Gravity Ball in a K'NEX rollercoaster design, exploring the structural integrity and efficiency of the proposed design. Participants share insights on construction techniques and potential improvements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of creating a K'NEX rollercoaster using a Fushigi Gravity Ball and invites feedback.
  • Another participant praises the rigidity of the structure but raises concerns about potential issues if scaled up, suggesting improvements for stability.
  • A participant expresses intent to create a larger rollercoaster and considers a vertical lift as an efficient design choice.
  • Questions are raised about preventing shaking of the ball during curves, with one participant noting that the ball typically does not move quickly around curves and that the substructure is built robustly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential of the design but express differing views on the challenges related to stability and movement of the ball, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approaches to these issues.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of scaling the design or the specific mechanics involved in the ball's movement around curves, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in engineering design, physics of motion, and K'NEX construction may find this discussion relevant.

The Maker
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Hello Physics Formums, because of constructive feedback I have decided to create a K'NEX Rollercoaster that uses a Fushigi Gravity Ball instead of the standard K'NEX cars. I thought of the design while I was doing chemistry homework, and after I finished my homework I got to work. Two days later I completed it! Here is the video.

Thank you and please comment with any questions!
 
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I like it, :smile: This time your structure is very rigid. Good for you.
If it was very much bigger, it may not be rigid enough and the ball might fall off the track. How would you improve that?

You also did well adapting existing roller coaster designs for lifting the car up the first hill. No need to reinvent the wheel if you don't have to.

If you decide to study engineering, I think you'll do well.
 
Thank you anorlunda, I plan to make a larger more complicated rollercoaster. I think that a vertical lift would be very efficient.
 
The Maker said:
Thank you anorlunda, I plan to make a larger more complicated rollercoaster. I think that a vertical lift would be very efficient.

How to prevent it from shaking when the ball goes around the curve?
 
anorlunda said:
How to prevent it from shaking when the ball goes around the curve?
The ball never goes around a curve very fast and I built the substructure very substantially.
 
Here is a time lapse of the above video
 
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