4-28

Class on April 28 was a work period for the Design a Ride Project. This project consists of a ride sketch and written description of the theme. We had to work on our previously returned calculations. These calculations were based on the circular motion, projectile motion, and energy figures. We had to calculate the Energy by using formulas provided on the formula sheet. The potential energy formula goes as so Ep=mgh. Weight=6560kg, Height=28.8m, plug this into the formula...Ep=6560 x 9.8 x 28.8...Ep=1851494.4J. Then we moved on to our projectile motion calculations. They went as follows...V=49.9m/s, and a radius of 15.9 m. Ac=v^2/r...Ac+156.6m/s^2. After calculations we moved on to the technical manual. This included a ride description and safety features. Our ride starts off in a unique loading stations with fun music. Once buckled in tight the coast moves out slowly to the launch zone. Once on the launch zone enormous accelerations take place as the riders are catapulted back. It immediately goes up a slope with a near stop at the top only to coast down into the water where the coaster detaches from the rails and becomes a water ride. Projectile motion is used in the next section when cannon balls are launched overhead to frighten the riders and give them a sense of urgency. Just as they clear that area they move into a narrowing waterway with a waterfall at the end. But the coaster attaches back onto the rails just before it reaches the waterfall. The riders then go on to experience circular motion and fun accelerations then go under ground and back into the loading station. That the description of our ride we still need to work on safety features. by John Stumpf