Physics rollercoaster track engineering

[mike_302]

Hi,

I've posteed about this rollercoaster already, so some of you may or may not recognize the whole idea but basically I have to construct a miniature rollercoaster for a ball bearing to run through. Now, my question here is much much differnt. I'm not looking for ideas or design tips, but rather, structural integrity input.

I'm using 1 inch (the hole in the center) clear plastic tubing that has wire lining the walls inside of a thick rubber wall, so as a full tube, the stuff is VERY strong, not SUPER easy to bend, but it will still bend without kinking. My question is this: If I were to half (or even quarter) the tubing in order to see at least half of the bearing above the walls of the "rollercoaster" track/tubing, would this tubing become extrmely flimsy t the point that I cannot use it? The thing is, I only have 70 feet of it in total so i don't want to risk wasting any of it, and plus, it's expensive stuff.

 

[FredGarvin]

It won't be flimsy, but what will probably happen is that the walls will not keep a nice semi circular shape like you would want. There will not be anything to hold the circular cross section shape when you bend it in any other direction. You can prove this by using a small piece and trying it. It would probably be OK for a straight section if you have one.

 

[ravenprp]

Hi there,

Structural integrity is definitely an important factor to consider when designing a rollercoaster track. In general, the thicker and sturdier the material, the less likely it is to bend or break under stress. So, if you were to quarter or halve the tubing, it would definitely make it more flimsy and potentially less stable for the ball bearing to run through.

However, there are other ways to provide support and stability for the track. You could consider adding additional support structures, such as metal rods or braces, along the track to help distribute the weight and prevent bending. You could also experiment with different materials, such as thicker plastic or metal tubing, to see which provides the best balance of strength and flexibility for your project.

It's also important to consider the weight and velocity of the ball bearing as it travels through the track. If it is too heavy or moving too fast, it could put extra stress on the track and cause it to bend or break. So, be sure to test the track with different weights and speeds to ensure its stability.

In summary, while halving or quartering the tubing may make it more flimsy, there are ways to provide additional support and stability for the track. It may require some experimentation and testing, but with careful planning and consideration of structural integrity, you should be able to construct a successful and sturdy rollercoaster track. Good luck with your project!