Roller Coasters

Unit 3 of the WJEC engineering course is an examined unit. There is ALWAYS a question about roller coaster engineering within it. Sometimes this is an extended answer *+ mark question, sometimes it is a shorter question but it will always be there. This page will hopefully help prepare you for this type of question. 

A wooden roller coaster is a type of amusement ride constructed primarily from wood. These coasters are known for their traditional design and often provide a rougher, more bumpy ride compared to steel coasters. The structure of a wooden roller coaster typically includes a lattice framework made of wooden beams, which supports the track and the trains.

Key characteristics of wooden roller coasters include:

• Track Design: The track is made of laminated wood layers, providing flexibility and strength.

• Ride Experience: They often feature airtime hills, sharp turns, and a distinctive rattling sound.

• Maintenance: Wooden coasters require regular maintenance to ensure the wood remains in good condition and safe for riders.

A steel roller coaster is an amusement ride constructed primarily from steel, which allows for smoother rides and more intricate designs compared to wooden roller coasters. The use of steel enables the creation of complex elements such as loops, corkscrews, and steep drops.

Key characteristics of steel roller coasters include:

• Track Design: The track is made of tubular steel rails, providing a smooth and flexible ride.

• Ride Experience: They offer a smoother, faster, and often more intense ride experience with a variety of inversions and twists.

• Durability: Steel coasters require less maintenance than wooden coasters and can last longer without significant wear and tear.

An inverted roller coaster is a type of steel roller coaster where the train runs below the track, and riders are seated with their legs dangling freely. This design creates a unique and thrilling experience as riders feel like they are flying through the air.

Key characteristics of inverted roller coasters include:

• Track Design: The track is above the riders, with the train hanging below it.

• Ride Experience: Riders experience multiple inversions, such as loops and corkscrews, with their legs dangling freely, enhancing the sensation of flight.

• Seating Arrangement: The seats are typically arranged in rows, with no floor beneath the riders' feet.

A wing roller coaster is a type of steel roller coaster where riders are seated on either side of the track, rather than directly above or below it. This design gives the sensation of flying or gliding through the air, as there is nothing above or below the riders, enhancing the feeling of openness and exposure.

Key characteristics of wing roller coasters include:

• Track Design: The track runs between the seats, with riders positioned on either side.

• Ride Experience: Riders experience a unique sensation of flight, with unobstructed views and a feeling of openness. The design often includes twists, turns, and inversions that enhance the thrill.

• Seating Arrangement: Seats are positioned on "wings" extending from the sides of the train, creating a distinctive ride experience.

A dive roller coaster is a type of steel roller coaster characterized by its dramatic vertical drops, often at a 90-degree angle. These coasters are designed to create a thrilling experience by holding riders at the edge of the drop before releasing them, enhancing the sensation of free-fall.

Key characteristics of dive roller coasters include:

• Track Design: The track includes steep, vertical drops, often with a holding brake at the top to build anticipation.

• Ride Experience: Riders experience intense drops and inversions, with a focus on the sensation of free-fall and airtime.

• Seating Arrangement: The trains typically have wide rows, allowing for unobstructed views and a heightened sense of exposure.

A launch roller coaster is a type of steel roller coaster that uses a launch mechanism to propel the train at high speeds, rather than relying on a traditional lift hill. This launch can be achieved through various methods, such as hydraulic, magnetic, or pneumatic systems, providing an intense burst of acceleration right from the start.

Key characteristics of launch roller coasters include:

• Launch Mechanism: The coaster uses a system like hydraulic catapults, linear induction motors (LIM), or linear synchronous motors (LSM) to rapidly accelerate the train.

• Ride Experience: Riders experience a sudden and intense acceleration, often reaching high speeds in a matter of seconds. The ride may include inversions, twists, and turns following the launch.

• Variety of Designs: Launch coasters can be designed with various layouts, including vertical launches, multiple launches, and even backward launches.

A hybrid roller coaster is a type of roller coaster that combines elements of both wooden and steel coasters to create a unique and thrilling ride experience. These coasters utilize the structural framework of wooden coasters with the smooth, flexible track design of steel coasters, allowing for innovative and complex ride elements.

Key characteristics of hybrid roller coasters include:

• Track Design: The track often includes steel rails mounted on a wooden structure, providing a blend of the classic wooden coaster feel with the smoothness of steel.

• Ride Experience: Riders experience a combination of airtime hills, sharp turns, and inversions, benefiting from the strengths of both wooden and steel designs.

• Structural Elements: The wooden framework adds a traditional aesthetic and feel, while the steel track allows for more dynamic and intense ride elements.

A spinning roller coaster is a type of amusement ride where the cars rotate on a vertical axis as they travel along the track. This spinning motion adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the ride, as the direction and speed of the spin can vary throughout the experience.

Key characteristics of spinning roller coasters include:

• Track Design: The track can include various elements such as hills, turns, and drops, while the cars spin independently.

• Ride Experience: Riders experience a dynamic and unpredictable ride, with the spinning motion adding to the thrill and disorientation.

• Car Design: The cars are designed to rotate freely, often accommodating multiple riders per car.

A flying roller coaster is a type of steel roller coaster where riders are positioned face-down, simulating the sensation of flying. This unique design allows riders to experience the thrill of soaring through the air, with the track often featuring elements that enhance the feeling of flight.

Key characteristics of flying roller coasters include:

• Track Design: The track includes elements such as loops, corkscrews, and drops that are designed to maximize the sensation of flying.

• Ride Experience: Riders are secured in a prone position, facing downwards, which creates a unique and exhilarating experience as they navigate the track.

• Seating Arrangement: The seats are designed to tilt riders into a horizontal, face-down position after boarding, giving the impression of flying.

A 4th dimension roller coaster is a type of steel roller coaster where the seats rotate independently of the track's orientation, generally about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the track  This unique feature allows riders to experience inversions and dynamic movements without the track itself rotating upside down.

Key characteristics of 4th dimension roller coasters include:

• Seat Rotation: The seats can rotate forward or backward, 360 degrees, providing a varied and unpredictable ride experience.

• Track Design: The track includes additional rails that control the spin of the seats, using mechanisms like rack and pinion gears.

• Ride Experience: Riders experience a combination of controlled and free-spinning movements, adding to the thrill and excitement.

Modern roller coasters are built with layered safety systems to protect riders. Key features include lap bars, shoulder restraints, and locking mechanisms to keep passengers secure. Hydraulics and backup systems add extra security. Sensors monitor the ride and can trigger emergency stops if needed. Anti-rollback devices stop trains sliding backwards. Braking systems include trim and emergency brakes. Tracks are split into sections allowing only one train per block, all managed by computer controls. Rides undergo frequent inspections and are tested thoroughly before opening. Operators are trained, and clear instructions help riders use safety features correctly. Clear signs instruct passengers of do's and don't and all the safety procedures in the event of an emergency.