top of page
Click here to view Calculations.

Overview

Click here to view Project Proposal and Project Plan.

After traveling to many theme parks across the country I have developed a love for the adrenaline rush that comes when riding the biggest and fastest roller coasters I can find.  This is a common love that I share with many thrill seekers.  However the excitement that comes from a roller coaster for most of its riders starts when the restraints are locked and eases once their heart stops racing and head stops spinning.  For myself, on the other hand, I enjoy the wait in line nearly as much as the loops and turns.  This is when I get to watch the roller coaster run and observe everything that is taking place.  I really enjoy analyzing each feature and attempting to solve how the coaster functions.  This passion for roller coasters is what sparked my idea for this project.  I used a computer aided design (CAD) program to create a 3D model of a roller coaster from scratch.  This was a massive project and it taught me a great deal about CAD modeling and mechanical engineering.

Goals

The goals of this project included:

  • Improving experience with 3D sketches.

  • Application of Math and Physics.

  • Create an extensive project using Inventor.

  • Improve experience with 3D modeling.

  • Design relatively easy parts to manufacture.

  • Improve experience with large assemblies.

The Process

RC
Cart Recording
Connecting Track
Twist 4
Twist 3
Twist 2
Twist 1
Twist
IL2 3
IL2 2
IL2 1
IL2
RT 3
RT 2
RT 1
RT
IL1 3
IL1 2
IL1 1
IL1
HLRD 5
HLRD 4
HLRD 3
HLRD 2
HLRD 1
Heart Line Roll Drop
Lift Hill
General Track Assembly
Math
Steps

Reflection

At the conclusion of my project, I had greatly increased my abilities using CAD software while also greatly increasing my knowledge in mechanical engineering and the mechanical processes required in my desired field.  With both of these areas of knowledge enhanced I now have more to offer to possible future employers. This project has allowed me to add an area of focus, of my choosing, to a major that is designed to be a broad degree to teach the basics of engineering.  Although others in my major will be receiving the basic knowledge needed to succeed in their field, I have gone above and beyond what is required of them to learn a great deal more about mechanical engineering. I also have an extensive project using that added education, along with what I have previously learned in class, under my belt.  The combined knowledge and experience provided by this project has greatly set me apart from the others in my major.  With more time I would have liked to implement my design to connect track assemblies, calculate jerk experienced by the rider and smooth out sharp transitions to create a more enjoyable ride, create production drawings, estimate cost of materials, and create supporting structures for the track and calculate stress on materials.

bottom of page