Coaster Dynamics: Coaster Lab #2



Coaster Dynamics
Coaster Lab

Lesson #2:   3D Motion:   We're Not in Flatland Anymore

TOPICS:   Visualization and Resolution of Vectors in 3 Dimensions.

1.   Starting with the default track configuration in Coaster Dynamics, change the Round Loop of Module 2 to a Corkscrew Loop, and set the height of the first 2 elements to:

        Spiral Hill = 35 m
        Corkscrew Loop = 35 m.

Turn the track friction option OFF (found under the "Coaster Lab" => "Track Parameters" submenu), and the "Design Constraints" and "Design Hints" options OFF (found under the "Options" menu).

2.   Run the roller coaster ride and stop it after the car passes the Corkscrew Loop. Use the Coaster Lab feature to determine the x, y, and z coordinates, and the speed (magnitude of the velocity) at each of the 11 Watchpoints in the Spiral Hill.



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
x
y
z
|v|


3.   Determine the x, y, and z coordinates, the speed, and the x, y, and z components of the G force at each of the 11 Watchpoints in the Corkscrew Loop. Sketch the G force components at each Watchpoint, and calculate the magnitude of the G force for each Watchpoint.






1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
x
y
z
|v|
Gx
Gy
Gz
|G|


4.   Do you see any relationships between the G force magnitudes, and when comparing the speed values of the Spiral Hill and Corkscrew Loop?































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