The Dark Ride
December 6, 2008
Jessie Blankenship, Jonathan Buswell, and Jordan Schultz
Acknowledgements: This report was reviewed and approved by Jessie
Blankenship, Jonathan Buswell, and Jordan Schultz on December 5,
2008.
Abstract
The goal of this project was to experiment with the laws of physics while collaborating
with a team to develop a working roller coaster that met certain specifications. Our team did just
that by developing The Dark Ride. The Dark Ride was designed to have all the thrills of a roller
coaster plus the suspense of a spooky journey through darkness. To add extra excitement to the
roller coaster, it was themed after the latest Batman movies, The Dark Knight, hence it’s name.
Once brave passengers embark on The Dark Ride, they begin to feel the slow acceleration of six
spirals before they are plunged down a very steep incline. The bat mobile reaches the bottom
with just enough velocity to send the riders through a giant loop followed by four more spirals.
It is hard to believe that this magnificent ride was composed of only five basic materials. The
base of The Dark Ride is a cardboard cylinder, a small metal ball substituted as the bat mobile
traveling through a rubber tube track, and twist ties were used to hold and support the rubber
tubing against the card board cylinder. Last but not least, a small metal basket was used to catch
the ball. The total project time was about ten hours, but only about five were spent in its
construction. Through many trial and error sessions, our team was able to settle on the best
materials and design to build a roller coaster.
Introduction: The intent of this project was to gain an understanding of what most engineering
jobs entail. Engineers are expected to be able to solve issues or needs that arise. They also need
to be able to work in groups and present information using spread sheets and written reports. Of
course the application of engineering physics is required as well. This project demonstrates all
of these aspects.
Design Process:
Core Materials: Several materials were brought up that we could have used for our track, such as foam
pipe insulation, floating pool noodles, rubber window siding, wood, etc. After deliberation, we decided
that our most practical medium would be some sort of rubber tubing. As for our bat mobile, we decided
to substitute a simple metal ball. Both the rubber tubing and the metal ball would help cut out friction.
Base: As far as the base was concerned, we needed something that was sturdy. We also needed
something that wouldn’t be hard to attach the track to. After browsing the hardware store we found our
cardboard cylinder. We knew that with twist ties, this would be very easy to connect our track to and
make any needed alterations. To catch the ball at the end, a small metal basket was used.
Device: We decided to start our device by hand. At the top of the roller coaster we would drop the metal
ball into the tube. The ball then starts its very slow journey through six downward spirals. This takes up
most of the fifteen seconds. After the sixth spiral the ball reaches a steep incline. The sudden velocity is
just enough to get the ball through an eight inch loop. After that the ball is slowed down by four more
spirals and then caught by a small metal basket.
Cost of Materials:
7.5Ft. rubber tubing = $7
Twist Ties = $ 2
Metal Ball = $.19
Cardboard Cylinder = $7
Results:
Δ𝑠
= 𝑣 Equation 1 was all that was needed to finish our calculations. The average velocity
experienced through the ride was 0.54ft/sec. Further calculations can be seen in the excel chart
attached.
Δ𝑡
Conclusion: Many problems arose during this project such as getting the timing right and getting
a sufficient angle so that the ball would make it through the loop. In the end we were able to
build a fun, well working roller coaster.