Does Eddy Current Braking on Roller Coasters Involve Constant Acceleration?

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    Acceleration Induction
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the mechanics of eddy current braking systems used in roller coasters, specifically whether the braking process involves constant acceleration. Participants explore the relationship between braking force, speed, and deceleration in the context of magnetic induction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the nature of acceleration during eddy current braking, questioning if it is constant.
  • Another participant explains that eddy currents are proportional to the time derivative of magnetic flux, which relates to speed, suggesting that braking force—and thus deceleration—will be stronger at higher speeds.
  • A participant raises the concept of "jerk," asking if the time derivative of deceleration is constant.
  • Another participant tentatively agrees that this may be approximately true.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple viewpoints regarding the nature of acceleration and deceleration in eddy current braking, with no clear consensus reached on whether the acceleration is constant.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of varying speeds on braking force and deceleration, nor have they clarified the assumptions regarding the definitions of acceleration and jerk.

Gavroy
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Hey, I am not from an english-speaking country, so excuse my art of writing english please:rolleyes:

My question is about the eddy current brake that is used by for example the roller coaster.
Does anyone know whether this brake procedure happens with constant acceleration?

For instance, when a free-fall tower breaks by using magnetic induction. Is there a constant acceleration or not?
 
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nobody can help me?
 
Eddy current will be proportional to the time derivative if flux of magnetic induction. This time derivative of flux will be proportional to speed if a permanent magnet is used (or an electromagnet of constant field strength). The braking force will be proportional to Eddy current which will be higher at hiher speed. So deceleration will be stronger at higher speeds.
 
Does this mean that the time derivative of the deceleration is constant(I think this is called jerk?)
 
I think so, approximately.
 

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