Physics- What Makes a Ride Thrilling?
What Makes A Ride Thrilling?
Year 11 Physics ERT
Introduction
Theme parks have always been a source of thrills and amusement, as well as major source of tourist revenue. As celebrated coaster designer John Allen states: “You don’t need a degree in engineering to design roller coasters, you need a degree in psychology” (Focus, 2009) For decades, thrill rides have implemented psychological thrills such as long upward climbs building anticipation, surprise twists and turns, and hills that make stomachs jump. But in this new era, the quest to maximise ‘thrill’ has turned to scientific calculations, with a focus upon sustaining G-forces of around four to five G’s. With a purpose to unmask ‘what makes a ride thrilling’, this report draws upon investigations carried out at the Gold Coast attraction ‘Dreamworld’ on the 12th of August 2014. This report will focus upon two of those rides: The Claw and The Giant Drop, of which The Giant Drop is more ‘thrilling’ due to a combination of both scientific and psychological factors.
Background Information
The Giant Drop
The Giant Drop is a vertical free fall, looming 119m meters above the ground. Carried by a mechanical lift to the very top, it then plummets, reaching up to 135km/hr due to the acceleration of gravity, before finally coming to a stop with the magnetic braking system (Burton, 2009). A rider on this type of design will experience three phases of apparent weight: the lifting, falling and braking stages. At first, the rider will feel heavier as the carriage accelerates. Then, as the velocity is constant, the apparent weight will equal that of the real weight. Finally, as the ride slows at the top, the decreasing velocity will result in a lighter feel. During free fall, riders will feel weightless, before experiencing a dramatic increase in apparent weight during the braking stage. As the ride climbs upwards, the exerted kinetic energy is converted into gravitational
Year 11 Physics ERT
Introduction
Theme parks have always been a source of thrills and amusement, as well as major source of tourist revenue. As celebrated coaster designer John Allen states: “You don’t need a degree in engineering to design roller coasters, you need a degree in psychology” (Focus, 2009) For decades, thrill rides have implemented psychological thrills such as long upward climbs building anticipation, surprise twists and turns, and hills that make stomachs jump. But in this new era, the quest to maximise ‘thrill’ has turned to scientific calculations, with a focus upon sustaining G-forces of around four to five G’s. With a purpose to unmask ‘what makes a ride thrilling’, this report draws upon investigations carried out at the Gold Coast attraction ‘Dreamworld’ on the 12th of August 2014. This report will focus upon two of those rides: The Claw and The Giant Drop, of which The Giant Drop is more ‘thrilling’ due to a combination of both scientific and psychological factors.
Background Information
The Giant Drop
The Giant Drop is a vertical free fall, looming 119m meters above the ground. Carried by a mechanical lift to the very top, it then plummets, reaching up to 135km/hr due to the acceleration of gravity, before finally coming to a stop with the magnetic braking system (Burton, 2009). A rider on this type of design will experience three phases of apparent weight: the lifting, falling and braking stages. At first, the rider will feel heavier as the carriage accelerates. Then, as the velocity is constant, the apparent weight will equal that of the real weight. Finally, as the ride slows at the top, the decreasing velocity will result in a lighter feel. During free fall, riders will feel weightless, before experiencing a dramatic increase in apparent weight during the braking stage. As the ride climbs upwards, the exerted kinetic energy is converted into gravitational
References: Burrows, K., Andriessen, M., McKay, B., & Takon, J. (2008). Queensland Physics Context to Concept. Brisbane: John Wiley & Sons. Burton, D. (2009, July 2). The Giant Drop. Retrieved from Amusement Ride Extravaganza: http://www.ride-extravaganza.com/thrill/giant-drop/ citicene Jaclyn. (2008, December 9). Dreamworld, Gold Coast. Retrieved from Contagious Laughter: http://wanyian.blogspot.com.au/2008/12/dreamworld-gold-coast.html Noonan, J Pentalift Equipment Corporation. (2012, January 1`). Hydraulic Upender. Retrieved from Thomas net news: http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/Hydraulic-Upender-850529 Scopa, M