What is the Coaster Lab?
|
The
Coaster Lab
is a set of companion materials to
Coaster Dynamics
that help teach basic concepts in science and physics using your computer as a virtual laboratory for conducting experiments.
A key to the
Coaster Lab
is the "Data Watchpoint" -- a unique feature of
Coaster Dynamics.
Watchpoints are pre-defined points on every roller coaster track. At each of these points, you can determine the physical parameters describing the motion of the roller coaster car. These parameters are: speed, distance, position, velocity, and G force.
An example Watchpoint Display is shown below for a Round Loop.
|
|
By analyzing data like this, you can determine the location and magnitude of the maximum G force in the loop. This allows you to experiment and determine, for instance, how the G force varies with the loop size.
There are 3 main components of the
Coaster Lab.
First, during the design of your roller coaster,
Coaster Dynamics
will provide
Design Hints
when a problem occurs -- for instance, when the G force in a loop is too large, or the speed is too slow or too fast. The
Design Hints
will suggest a way to correct the problem, and offer further information which will allow you to calculate a solution to the problem. These solutions explore such topics as forces and Newton's Laws of Motion, potential and kinetic energy, conservation of energy, and friction & work.
|
|
Second, the
Coaster Lab
includes a set of
Coaster Lab Lessons
suitable for use in a classroom. The
Coaster Lab Lessons
are laboratory exercises designed to fit into a typical 50-minute classroom format, and cover fundamental topics normally included in the study of dynamics and Newtonian Mechanics. The lessons are consistent with the curricula of most first-semester courses in introductory physics.
The mathematics background needed to use the
Coaster Lab
include a basic understanding of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and vector analysis in 2 and 3 dimensions. Also included are some optional advanced study topics which utilize beginning calculus (derivatives and integrals).
Answers to the
Coaster Lab Lessons
are available to registered users of
Coaster Dynamics.
The answer sets can be viewed by selecting the "Coaster Lab" option in
Coaster Dynamics.
To access the answers, you will need to enter a Software License Password -- which can be obtained by paying a Software License Fee and becoming a registered
Coaster Dynamics
user. Please note that
Coaster Dynamics
is a shareware product. With the exception of the
Coaster Lab Answers,
you can freely use
Coaster Dynamics
for evaluation purposes.
The third component of the
Coaster Lab
is the
Coaster Dynamics Physics Primer
-- which is a summary guide to the physics of roller coasters. It covers the basic topics in Newtonian Mechanics required to understand and analyze roller coaster motion. It is an excellent companion resource which can be used in conjunction with a comprehensive physics textbook.
The
Coaster Lab Lessons
and
Coaster Dynamics Physics Primer
can be viewed and/or printed using the web browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) installed on your computer.
To see the
Coaster Lab Lessons
or the
Coaster Dynamics Physics Primer,
click on one of the buttons below.
|