Why Do Roller Coasters Have Oval Loops?

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SUMMARY

Roller coasters utilize oval loops instead of rounded loops primarily for safety and efficiency. The oval shape helps manage the forces acting on the coaster, minimizing centrifugal force while allowing the coaster to maintain sufficient velocity throughout the loop. This design ensures that kinetic energy (KE) is effectively converted into potential energy (PE) as the coaster ascends, preventing the risk of the coaster rolling backward due to insufficient energy. The curvature of the tracks plays a crucial role in maintaining the coaster's trajectory and rider safety.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly conservation of energy.
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) concepts.
  • Knowledge of centrifugal force and its effects on moving objects.
  • Basic grasp of roller coaster design and engineering principles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of roller coaster dynamics, focusing on energy conversion during loops.
  • Explore the engineering principles behind roller coaster design, specifically track curvature.
  • Study the effects of centrifugal force on riders during high-speed turns and loops.
  • Investigate safety measures implemented in modern roller coaster designs.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, roller coaster designers, amusement park engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of thrill rides.

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Roller Coaster loops!

does anybody know why do roller coasters have more of an oval loop then rounded loop?
Thankss
 
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Not really sure about this too. Perhaps, its due to safety measures..

To ensure the coaster is able to complete the loop yet not wanting it to apply too much pressure on the tracks. Maybe look at it using conservation of energy..

When the coaster falls from the slope, it does have KE. This KE is converted into PE as the coaster moves up the loop. To minimise centrifugal force by the train on the tracks, v needs to be small. If v is small, KE is small and it is wiser to let it regain a little velocity by allowing it to fall again, else if the KE runs out of the coaster, the coaster may run backwards and this may be potentially dangerous for the people on the ride. You need to compare the curvatures of the tracks where the coaster is when v is small. The larger the curvature, the more tendency the coaster will move in the direction of the steeper curvature.
 

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