Why Does a Teardrop-shaped Roller Coaster Loop Improve Safety and Performance?

AI Thread Summary
Teardrop-shaped loops on roller coasters enhance safety and performance by optimizing the centripetal acceleration experienced by riders. In this design, the shape allows for a smoother transition through the loop, reducing the risk of riders being ejected from their seats. The maximum speed at the bottom of the loop is 31.0 m/s, while the speed at the top is 12.0 m/s, with a centripetal acceleration of 2g. This design ensures that the forces acting on the riders are manageable, contributing to a safer ride experience. Understanding the physics behind these loops is crucial for roller coaster engineering.
frosti
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A roller coaster at the Six Flags Great America amusement park in Gurnee, Illinois, incorporates some clever design technology and some basic physics. Each vertical loop, instead of being circular, is shaped like a teardrop. The cars ride on the inside of the loop at the top, and the speeds are fast enough to ensure that the cars remain on the track. The biggest loop is 40.0 m high, with a maximum speed of 31.0 m/s (nearly 70 mph) at the bottom. Suppose the speed at the top is 12.0 m/s and the corresponding centripetal acceleration is 2g.

What is the radius of the arc of the teardrop at the top?


Homework Equations


Ac=mv^2/r
Fr= n+mg


The Attempt at a Solution


I think n + mg = mv^2/r, but I don't know what to do with the given value Ac=2g or how to go any further from here. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
nvm, I got it.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Speed at the top of an elliptical roller coaster loop
Replies
4
Views
3K
Simulated circular motion on a roller coaster
Replies
5
Views
3K
Why does the speed change at the bottom of the loop-the-loop?
Replies
5
Views
2K
How Is the Force on a Child in a Roller Coaster Calculated?
Replies
3
Views
7K
A different type of roller coaster loop problem
Replies
16
Views
2K
Minimum Speed for a Roller-Coaster Car to Complete a Loop without Seat Belts
Replies
12
Views
3K
Why Does Teardrop Shape Matter in Roller Coaster Loop Design?
Replies
1
Views
20K
Minimum safe height for a roller coaster
Replies
10
Views
5K
How Fast Will the Roller Coaster Car Be at the Top of the Loop?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Critical Velocity in a roller coaster cart
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top