Design of a Roller Coaster System Through Graphical Simulation

Abstract

This paper presents a roller coaster system model for the purpose of developing a graphical simulation of a roller coaster system. A foundational set of track elements with constant curvature and constant bank angle is developed. For these elements, a general parameterization scheme is proposed and equations are developed to generate the spatial location of the track and train. Kinematic equations of train motion are also developed, and results are presented for a test track which features many of the elements presented in this paper. Speed and acceleration data which are generated provide important information concerning the ride performance of the roller coaster system.