3 ms·
Note that the narrow-loop shape in modern roller-coasters means that the tightest curve is at the top, where the G-forces are partially countered by gravity. T
by nostrademons 4y ago
Note that the narrow-loop shape in modern roller-coasters means that the tightest curve is at the top, where the G-forces are partially countered by gravity. That's an 1-G that they can subtract, and it means the radius can be significantly larger on entry to the loop, resulting in smaller G-forces.
- mc32 4y agoAlso by the time you get to the apex it’s going slower than when it entered the loop.
- SV_BubbleTime 4y agoI’m having trouble imagining a scenario where this is not the case.
- thereisnospork 4y agoHere's a 1 reasonable and 1 contrived example: An inverted loop, where the loop is lower than the track, and with a very long train, where the center of mass continues to decrease in height due to the part of the train not presently looping.
- liftm 4y agoRoller coaster cars with electrical motors? I somehow like the idea. Could mess with Gs in one more direction.
- cormacrelf 4y agoThis free 1g of turning force is apparently known among pilots as “God’s G”. It needn’t be produced as lift while you’re inverted at the top of a loop, so you get a good turn rate despite losing speed and hence lift as you get up there.
- dehrmann 4y agoNot just gravity, but the train also loses speed at the top, so the loop needs to tighten if you want to maintain the same force (you might not want this).