Roller Coaster Projects Made Out of Tubing

The Science of Roller Coasters

• Roller coasters may look like pure entertainment from a distance, but up close there is a lot of scientific thought involved. The twists, loops and deep plunges that look impressive are also means of transferring the back and forth flow of potential to kinetic energies. It is these quick energy changes that provide the right amount of thrill and an element of danger to the rider. The designer's job is to ensure that fun and safety are met in equal portions, while delivering a screaming dose of excitement.
  
  

Vehicle Choice

• All designers must factor in the mass of the vehicle. Marbles or toy matchbox cars can be used for the roller coaster vehicles. The mass provides the key potential energy element. More mass translates into more energy and higher velocity (speed). The high speed means a greater amount of force, or slope, must be applied to slow down the vehicle. Choosing your collector toys may not be the best choice for your homemade coaster.
  
  

The First Hill

• The height of the first hill is critical. The higher the track, the greater the energy generated to propel the vehicle through the various loops. Since the mini coaster cars do not have any mechanized propulsion system, the beginning stage should be attached at the top of a desk, chair or table. This will simulate the potential energy build-up. The further the car falls, the more energy the car is storing. Tubing found at a local hardware store can be used for tracks. Gardener Bender Tubing, Split Flexible Tubing, Tube Pipe Installation or PVC tubing are all examples of appropriate materials.
  
  

Loops and Hills

• The loops and hills can be formed by twisting and turning the chosen tubing. Dowel rods and duct tape are used to create a stable foundation for the vehicle to travel. If the hills or loops are above the initial hill, the car will stall or fall out of the cycle. The energy stored will be lost. The faster the potential energy drops, the more kinetic energy is created, thus allowing for more loops and hills.
  
  

Futher Exploration

• Gravity and height are the two aids to creating a thrill-seeking coaster. The more dramatic the height, the greater the utilization of gravity by the car. This creates the energy of motion. The fun of designing a roller coaster can be in employing different tubing for the tracks. These variations can be studied as to how they will affect the velocity of the car. Friction can influence how a car will react to the whole track design. By creating your own pint-sized thrill park, you can show that small doesn't equal boring.