Rethinking roller coasters: sports car or stunt plane?
In the thrilling world of roller coasters, there are two basic types, each with its own way of getting the adrenaline pumping. Gravity Coasters, which draw their energy from the outside, and Powered Coasters, where the cars themselves are powered. With the introduction of Spike propulsion, powered coasters have caught up with gravity coasters in terms of possible acceleration and fundamental differences come to the fore.
While gravity coasters obey the laws of gravity, Spike coasters almost defy them. Let's compare these two technical masterpieces with a sports car and a stunt plane to better understand their differences and specialties.
Gravity Coaster: The sports car of roller coasters
As the name implies, a gravity coaster is powered primarily by the force of gravity. After the initial ascent using a chain or friction wheel lift, the car is accelerated by gravity on the descents. With an LSM, LIM or friction wheel launch, the car is accelerated directly to speed. Common to both types of takeoffs is that the energy is dissipated through air resistance, friction and braking during the entire ride after the initial start or until the next lift or launch. The currently available energy is always exactly divided into potential and kinetic energy, i.e. the greater the height (= potential energy), the lower the speed (= kinetic energy). The earth's gravity determines which height corresponds to which speed. With this balance of potential and kinetic energy, the roller coaster is carried over hills, curves and loops.
Although not physically correct, the sports car analogy is a very good illustration.
Imagine you are in a sports car and gravity is pulling you down a mountain road. The important thing is to stay on the road! The road symbolizes the current energy level of the roller coaster. It cannot be left. The car follows its predetermined path and can only travel at exactly the same speed at a certain height on the track. Further down, the speed is higher, so the radii must be larger at the bottom than at the top to keep the centrifugal forces within a safe range.
Just as a mountain road must be designed to fit the shape of the mountain, the layout of a roller coaster must be designed to fit these energy requirements. In addition, the road must be figuratively wider than theoretically necessary, as changing environmental influences such as wind and temperature alter the energy conditions.
Considering all of these constraints places high demands on the design and limits the possibilities.
But that is what makes a Gravity Coaster - a thrilling game with the energy you put into it.
Spike Coaster: The stunt plane on tracks
The Spike Coaster takes the roller coaster experience to a new level with its own propulsion system. Powered by electric motors, the cars can accelerate, brake and even reverse at any time, regardless of gravity.
Symbolically, the Spike Coaster can be compared to a stunt plane.
Just as a stunt plane can perform breathtaking maneuvers in the sky, a Spike Coaster can accelerate and decelerate almost at will. Movement is not limited by gravity or current energy levels. Spike releases the coaster vehicle from the energy level road and lets it fly off. The speed is no longer tied to the height of the track. If a radius is to be used, and a certain amount of force is to be generated, all the coaster designer has to do is adjust the speed accordingly. While the sports car is tethered to the road, above it reigns the boundless freedom of the skies - regardless of energy level.
The stunt plane can move in all directions and use up and release energy at will. For the Spike Coaster, this means an infinite variety of layout and ride figure options free from energy restrictions. The vehicle still follows tracks, but the tracks are based on the designer's imagination rather than physical calculations.
Conclusion
While the Gravity Coaster impresses with the accurate physics of a sports car and is subject to the laws of gravity, the Spike Coaster breaks with tradition and offers unparalleled freedom reminding of the unrestricted maneuvers of a stunt plane. Both types of coasters offer unique and thrilling experiences, but represent different approaches to coaster design. Whether you prefer the pure physics of a gravity coaster or the boundless freedom of a Spike coaster, both offer unforgettable adrenaline rushes.
