In the minor Roller Coaster Engineering, the design process of a new roller coaster is simulated. A realistic business case is presented in which a theme park is looking for future expansion. Based on economic understanding of the roller coaster industry, students propose a feasible concept that includes a roller coaster. The spatial layout of the roller coaster is designed and a suitable train type is selected. The accelerations and loads on the passengers, trains and track structure are determined using analytical and numerical calculations of the dynamics. Based on these loads, the internal stresses and deformations of the track structure are determined. The dynamic and static calculations are done in accordance with international safety standards. Finally, a specific roller coaster system is studied in more detail, which can be selected based on the student’s personal background and interest. Lectures, tutorials and examinations will be done in close collaboration with industrial partners, such as theme parks, roller coaster manufacturers and independent certifying bodies.

At the end of the minor Roller Coaster Engineering the students:

1. Understand the economic factors concerned with the roller coaster industry and can give substantiated recommendations when it comes to theme park expansions.
2. Can develop a roller coaster design that satisfies the needs of the customer and is in accordance with safety standards.
3. Can perform analytical and numerical calculations of the roller coaster dynamics in order to determine the accelerations and loads on the passengers.
4. Can perform analytical and numerical static strength calculations on the roller coaster structures in accordance with safety standards.
5. Explain the working principles of most common roller coaster systems such as lifts, brakes, launches and restraints.

This is a fulltime minor

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