August - December 2024
For this project I designed a full Roller Coaster Attraction, including technical documentation, legal requirements, and compliance with ASME ethics and industry regulation. While this coaster obviously wasn’t built, I created very detailed models of each section. I worked with other teams, and each was over a small section of the ride itself.
The two main software I used were MATLAB and SolidWorks. First I established effective communication with those designing the section before and after me. We regularly updated our data sheets, and designed every function and SolidWorks model with easily updated variables.
I then worked out our goal, which was to take the speed we were given and maximize the feeling of weightlessness. I made the assumption that weightlessness would track the free motion of a projectile (ignoring all types of drag), and mapped out using MATLAB what that would look like. I extrapolated the relevant variables (Kinetic Energy, height relative to start, speed, and max acceleration through the section) and passed those forward.
I took those equations, and passed them into SolidWorks as parameterized lines.
After each section was done, I created a pattern based on the track structure I worked with another group to create. I then patterned this structure through the entire line, creating the gray models shown throughout this page.
In total I modeled hundreds of feet of track so that they could mesh with every other section that had been modeled. Every single parameter was shown to be within the safe bounds for both riders and materials.
These models were incredibly helpful. I presented our work to a larger group and a project leader, and used them to show that I had hit on our project goals, requirements, and regulations.
I also used the models to conduct Finite Element Analysis in SolidWorks, showing the success of the materials I selected as well as the geometry.
