Amusement Park Physics

Amusement Park Physics 4/5/19, 8)13 PM
Amusement Park Physics

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Understanding amusement park physics is a great way to give you an
Search Website appreciation of the dynamics of the various rides.
What makes amusement park rides so much fun is the forces your body
POPULAR PHYSICS experiences when you're on them. There are turns, twists, and rapid
EXAMPLES — acceleration. It's quite different from what we experience on a daily
FOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL basis. But it is precisely these unusual sensations of having your body
AND ABOVE pushed and pulled in different directions, that keeps people coming back
Amusement Parks for more.
Battle & Weapons However, designing these rides is much more than just putting in random
Engineering loops on a track. A solid understanding of the physics is necessary for the
designers in order to push the safety limits for humans as much as
Essays possible. So having an idea of how much force the body will experience
Miscellaneous on a ride is a key factor when deciding how fast, how high, or how big a
radius is required.
Sports
Click on the links below to learn about the physics involved in these
particular rides.
PHYSICS EDUCATION AND
THEORY —
FOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL Ferris Wheel Physics
AND ABOVE
Roller Coaster Physics
Kinematics
Dynamics
The Gravitron
Learn Physics
Another popular amusement park ride is the Gravitron. In this ride
Physics Diagrams
people lean against the external wall and the force generated by
Physics Questions centriptetal acceleration, during rotation, keeps the riders from sliding
down the wall. The figure below shows a schematic of the ride.
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w is the angular velocity of the Gravitron
I am at least 16 years of
g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2)
age.
I have read and accept R is the radius of rotation measured from the center of rotation of the
the privacy policy. Gravitron to the center of mass of the rider (represented by the gray
I understand that you rectangle).
will use my information
to send me a newsletter. θ is the angle of lean which the external wall of the Gravitron makes
with the vertical
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F is the friction force between the rider's body and the external wall of
the Gravitron
N is the normal force between the rider's body and the external wall of
the Gravitron
The coordinate system of the ride is given as shown and it is assumed

that the ride is horizontal.
We wish to determine the minimum rotational speed (w) of the Gravitron

such that the rider does not slide down the external wall. In addition, we
wish to determine the maximum rotational speed of the Gravitron such
that the rider does not slide up the external wall. These values will
depend on the angle θ and on the coefficient of static friction (μ)
between the rider's body and the external wall of the Gravitron. Note that
the coefficient of static friction used must be the minimum possible
value. For example, let's say that the range for the coefficient of static
friction (for different riders) is 0.25-0.40. We must use μ = 0.25. Using
this value in the calculations (given below) results in a minimum and
maximum value of w such that none of the riders slide down or up the
wall, respectively. This is important for safety reasons.
Let us first determine the minimum rotational speed such that the rider
does not slide down the external wall.
Apply Newton's second law to the rider, in the x-direction:
where m is the mass of the rider, and the term w2R is the centripetal
acceleration of the center of mass of the rider, which points towards the
center of rotation.
Apply Newton's second law to the rider, in the y-direction:
The limiting case for slipping occurs when the friction force F is equal to
the maximum friction possible with no sliding occurring. For this
limiting case,
Combine equations (1) - (3) and solve for w, which is then equal to the
minimum rotational speed of the rider such that he/she does not slide
down the external wall. We get,
This equation is only valid for cosθ > μsinθ. If cosθ ≤ μsinθ the rider
will never slide down the wall, even if the Gravitron is not spinning
(where w = 0). Note that the units for wmin is radians/sec.
Next, let's determine the maximum rotational speed such that the rider
does not slide up the external wall. For this case we solve the same
equations as given above but the force F is given in the opposite
direction shown in the above figure. In these equations we once more
solve for w, which is then equal to the maximum rotational speed of the
rider such that he/she does not slide up the external wall. We get,
This equation is only valid for sinθ > μcosθ. If sinθ ≤ μcosθ the rider
will never slide up the wall no matter how fast the Gravitron spins. For
example, if θ = 0 the rider will never slide up the wall no matter how fast
the Gravitron spins. Note, there is a ride called the Rotor which is a
special case of the Gravitron, in which θ = 0. Note that the units for wmax
is radians/sec.
Three Dimensional Amusement Park Rides
There are many other fun rides at amusement parks, dozens in fact, and
many of them exhibit complex three-dimensional motion which is
difficult to analyze from a physics perspective. Nevertheless I took it
upon myself to create three Excel spreadsheets which can be used to
analyze most of the three-dimensional rides found at amusement parks.
The way to use these spreadsheets is to first match a ride to one of these
spreadsheets, and then input the corresponding parameters of the ride
into the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet will then calculate the maximum g-
force experienced by a rider on the ride. The maximum g-force is an
important value since it tells you what the maximum force experienced
by a rider is on the ride. This can be very useful (and interesting)
information when deciding which rides you want to avoid (or go on),
depending on your personal preferences.
These three spreadsheets are categorized into three separate cases, which
as mentioned, can be used to analyze most of the three-dimensional rides
found at amusement parks. I describe these three cases below, and
provide the corresponding spreadsheets to use when analyzing them.
Case 1
A general schematic of this ride is given in the figure below, with the xyz
coordinate system as shown. This schematic shows a general
representation for a large number of amusement park rides. These rides
can be modeled by choosing the correct values for the parameters shown
in the figure, and then entering these values in the spreadsheet and
solving for the maximum g-force experienced by a rider on the particular
ride.
The parameters shown in this figure are defined as follows:
β1 is the rotation angle of the rod AC when projected on the xy plane, as

measured from the positive y-axis
β2 is the rotation angle of the rod CO when projected on the xy plane, as

measured from the projection of rod AC onto the xy plane
ϕ is the angle between rod AC and the xy plane. This angle is constant
θ is the angle between rod CO and the vertical (pointing in the z-

direction)
α is the angular position of OP, as shown
The angular velocity vector wp1 = dβ1/dt. This is generated by a rotating

motor located at point A, which is attached to ground.

motor located at point C, which is attached to arm AC.
The angular velocity vector ws = dα/dt. This is the wheel spin rate,
which is generated by a rotating motor located at point O and attached to
arm CO.
The angular velocity vector wn = -dθ/dt. This is not an important

quantity to understand, but is given because it helps to visualize the
kinematics. This is generated by a rotating motor located at point C and
attached to arm AC.
L1 is the length of rod AC
L2 is the length of rod CO
r is the radius of the wheel (which is the distance OP)
Note that the angular velocity vector wn is always parallel to the xy

plane. Also, the angular velocity vectors wp1 and wp2 are always parallel
to the vertical z-axis.
The rider is located at point P.
Case 2
ride.
β1 is the rotation angle of the rod AC when projected on the xy plane, as

β2 is the rotation angle of the rod CB when projected on the xy plane, as

measured from the projection of rod AC onto the xy plane
ψ is the angle between rod CB and rod BO. This angle is constant
ϕ is the angle between rod AC and the xy plane. This angle is constant
θ is the angle between rod CB and the vertical (pointing in the z-

direction)
δ is the angular position of rod BO, as shown


motor located at point C, which is attached to arm AC.
The angular velocity vector wa = dδ/dt. This is the spin rate of elbow
CBO about the axis CB. This is generated by a rotating motor located at
point C, which is attached to arm AC.
arm BO.
The angular velocity vector wn = -dθ/dt. This is not an important

quantity to understand, but is given because it helps to visualize the
kinematics. This is generated by a rotating motor located at point C and
attached to arm AC.
L1 is the length of rod AC
L2 is the length of rod CB
L3 is the length of rod BO
Note that the angular velocity vector wn is always parallel to the xy

plane. Also, the angular velocity vectors wp1 and wp2 are always parallel
to the vertical z-axis.
The rider is located at point P.
Case 3

ride.
β is the rotation angle of the rod AO when projected on the xy plane, as

θ is the angle between rod AO and the vertical (pointing in the z-

direction). This angle is constant
γ is the angle between PG and the side of the wheel, as shown
The angular velocity vector wp = dβ/dt. This is generated by a rotating

arm AO.
L1 is the length of rod AO
L2 is the length PG, as shown. This can be thought of as a rod connection

between points P and G, in which the rod is constrained such that it can
only swing in the radial direction
g is the acceleration due to gravity
Note that the angular velocity vector wp is always parallel to the vertical
z-axis.
The rider is located at point G. When the ride is in motion the rider
swings radially outward at an angle γ, which can change during the
course of the ride (which depends on the type of ride).
The Excel spreadsheets used for analyzing all three cases can be
downloaded here:
Case 1
Case 2
Case 3
The spreadsheets are in compressed "zip" format and you have to

uncompress them before you can use them.
The following are example solutions for different amusement park rides.
These are obtained using the spreadsheets for the three cases.
Zamperla Balloon Race
Zamperla Samba Balloon
Case 3 can be used to analyze this ride.
From observation we have the following ride parameters (approximate):
Mass of G (for rider) = 70 kg (arbitrary, you can use any mass you wish)
Rope length L2 (PG) = 1.5 meters
Wheel radius r (OP) = 2.5 meters
θ = 0.5 radians (equal to 30 degrees)
Wheel spin rate ws = -1.6 radians/sec
Precession rate wp = 0.8 radians/sec
Arm length L1 (AO) = 1.4 meters
From the spreadsheet for Case 3, the calculated maximum g-force

experienced by a rider at point G is approximately 1.4g (which is 1.4
times his/her body weight).
Note: We are assuming that the gondolas (containing the riders) can be
modeled as a point mass (G). This is an approximation however, but it's
reasonable and it simplifies the analysis.
Spin Out
Spin Out - Amusement Park Ride (@ The CNE…
Precession rate wp1 = -0.8 radians/sec
Precession rate wp2 = 0 radians/sec
Elbow CBO spin rate wa = 0.5 radians/sec
Arm length L1 (AC) = 6 meters
Arm length L2 (CB) = 6 meters
Arm length L3 (BO) = 1 meter
Wheel radius r (OP) = 4 meters
dθ/dt = 0 (at all time)
ϕ = 3.14159 radians (equal to 180 degrees)
ψ = 1.57079 radians (equal to 90 degrees)
Gravity is pointing in direction 6 (the -z direction)

experienced by a rider at point P is approximately 2.8g (which is 2.8
Enterprise
Amusement Park Physics - Enterprise
Rope length L2 (PG) = 2 meters
Precession rate wp = 0 radians/sec
Arm length L1 (AO) = 0 meters

Orbiter Ride
Orbiter UK Fair Ride
Precession rate wp1 = -1.6 radians/sec
Precession rate wp2 = 0 radians/sec
Arm length L1 (AC) = 4 meters
Arm length L2 (CO) = 2 meters
dθ/dt = 0 (at all time)
ϕ = 0.35 (equal to 20 degrees)
Gravity is pointing in direction 6 (the -z direction)

experienced by a rider at point P is approximately 2.1g (which is 2.1
Star Flyer
Brean Theme Park: Star Flyer (Daniel Coles) …
Rope length L2 (PG) = 10 meters
θ = 0 radians (equal to 0 degrees)
Wheel spin rate ws = 1.0 radians/sec
Precession rate wp = 0 radians/sec
Arm length L1 (AO) = 0 meters

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Amusement Park Physics 4/5/19, 8)13 PM

Amusement Park Physics

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The coordinate system of the ride is given as shown and it is assumed

We wish to determine the minimum rotational speed (w) of the Gravitron

Apply Newton's second law to the rider, in the x-direction:

Apply Newton's second law to the rider, in the y-direction:

Three Dimensional Amusement Park Rides

The parameters shown in this figure are defined as follows:

β1 is the rotation angle of the rod AC when projected on the xy plane, as

β2 is the rotation angle of the rod CO when projected on the xy plane, as

θ is the angle between rod CO and the vertical (pointing in the z-

α is the angular position of OP, as shown

The angular velocity vector wp1 = dβ1/dt. This is generated by a rotating

The angular velocity vector wp2 = dβ2/dt. This is generated by a rotating

The angular velocity vector wn = -dθ/dt. This is not an important

L1 is the length of rod AC

L2 is the length of rod CO

r is the radius of the wheel (which is the distance OP)

Note that the angular velocity vector wn is always parallel to the xy

The rider is located at point P.

The parameters shown in this figure are defined as follows:

β1 is the rotation angle of the rod AC when projected on the xy plane, as

β2 is the rotation angle of the rod CB when projected on the xy plane, as

θ is the angle between rod CB and the vertical (pointing in the z-

δ is the angular position of rod BO, as shown

α is the angular position of OP, as shown

The angular velocity vector wp1 = dβ1/dt. This is generated by a rotating

The angular velocity vector wp2 = dβ2/dt. This is generated by a rotating

The angular velocity vector wn = -dθ/dt. This is not an important

L1 is the length of rod AC

L2 is the length of rod CB

L3 is the length of rod BO

r is the radius of the wheel (which is the distance OP)

Note that the angular velocity vector wn is always parallel to the xy

The rider is located at point P.

representation for a large number of amusement park rides. These rides

The parameters shown in this figure are defined as follows:

β is the rotation angle of the rod AO when projected on the xy plane, as

θ is the angle between rod AO and the vertical (pointing in the z-

α is the angular position of OP, as shown

γ is the angle between PG and the side of the wheel, as shown

The angular velocity vector wp = dβ/dt. This is generated by a rotating

L1 is the length of rod AO

L2 is the length PG, as shown. This can be thought of as a rod connection

r is the radius of the wheel (which is the distance OP)

g is the acceleration due to gravity

The spreadsheets are in compressed "zip" format and you have to

Zamperla Balloon Race

Zamperla Samba Balloon

Case 3 can be used to analyze this ride.

From observation we have the following ride parameters (approximate):

Rope length L2 (PG) = 1.5 meters

Wheel radius r (OP) = 2.5 meters

θ = 0.5 radians (equal to 30 degrees)

Wheel spin rate ws = -1.6 radians/sec

Precession rate wp = 0.8 radians/sec

Arm length L1 (AO) = 1.4 meters

From the spreadsheet for Case 3, the calculated maximum g-force

Spin Out - Amusement Park Ride (@ The CNE…

Case 2 can be used to analyze this ride.

From observation we have the following ride parameters (approximate):

Precession rate wp1 = -0.8 radians/sec