User_6Calculating G-Forces on Amusement Park Ride

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating G-Forces experienced by riders on an amusement park ride with a 200m track and a uniform acceleration of 5.1 m/s². The initial calculation using the formula g's = a / 9.8 m/s yielded 0.52g, which was deemed unlikely. Participants clarified that this value represents additional G-Force on top of the ambient 1g, resulting in a total of 1.52g if the acceleration is vertical, or approximately 1.13g if horizontal. The importance of direction in G-Force calculations was emphasized, along with the potential for miscalculation in the acceleration value itself.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly acceleration and G-Force.
  • Familiarity with the formula for calculating G-Forces: g's = a / 9.8 m/s².
  • Knowledge of vector addition in physics for calculating resultant forces.
  • Awareness of the effects of G-Forces on the human body, including red-out and blackout thresholds.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of G-Forces on human physiology, particularly at high accelerations.
  • Explore advanced physics topics such as vector addition and its application in G-Force calculations.
  • Learn about amusement park ride design principles and safety standards regarding G-Forces.
  • Investigate tools for simulating G-Force experiences in virtual environments.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, amusement park ride designers, engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of G-Forces in high-speed environments.

iMac_
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Hi,
I'm trying to figure out the G-Forces a rider will experience whilst riding an amusement park ride.

The track is 200m long and the 'pod' (What the rider is in) accelerates uniformly at a rate I found to be 5.1m/s2.

So, to calculate the G-Force, I planned to use the formula g's = a / 9.8m/s, but this gives me a value of 0.52g, which I found unlikely.

Would anyone be able to point out my error, because I'm fairly certain it's a mistake on my part.
Thanks
-iMac_
 
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iMac_ said:
Hi,
I'm trying to figure out the G-Forces a rider will experience whilst riding an amusement park ride.

The track is 200m long and the 'pod' (What the rider is in) accelerates uniformly at a rate I found to be 5.1m/s2.

So, to calculate the G-Force, I planned to use the formula g's = a / 9.8m/s, but this gives me a value of 0.52g, which I found unlikely.

The calculation is correct, but remember this is in addition to the ambient 1g, and you haven't said which direction the acceleration is. If the acceleration is straight up then we have a total of 1.52g; if horizontal then √(12+0.522) = 1.13g.
It doesn't seem much to you because you're so accustomed to the 1g. Consider how it feels when you stand on your head. If memory serves, red-out occurs at about -5g and blackout at +7g.
OTOH, maybe your 5.1 is wrong?
 

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