Physics of roller coasters

Centrifugal (center fleeing) force is not a true force, but rather the result of an object's inertia, or resistance to change in direction, as the object moves in a circular path. The track's curve prevents the object from following the straight line it otherwise would, by applying a force on it (via its outside edges) towards the center of the circle, forcing it to travel in a curved path instead. This centripetal (center seeking) force actually points toward the center of the circle, but a roller coaster rider experiences (feels) the sensation of a centrifugal force, a pseudo force pushing them toward the outer edge of the car. This sensation is actually the result of the rider's inertia. The following equation expresses centripetal acceleration (to make it centripetal force simply multiply by the mass): $a_{c}={\frac {v^{2}}{r}}$

$U_{g}=mgh$

where U_g is potential energy, m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity and h is height above the ground. Two trains of identical mass at different heights will therefore have different potential energies: the train at a greater height will have more potential energy than a train at a lower height. This means that the potential energy for the roller coaster system is greatest at the highest point on the track, or the top of the lift hill. As the roller coaster train begins its descent from the lift hill, the stored potential energy converts to kinetic energy, or energy of motion. The faster the train moves, the more kinetic energy the train gains, as shown by the equation for kinetic energy:

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Difference between wood and steel coasters

A wooden coaster has a track consisting of thin laminates of wood stacked together, with a flat steel rail fixed to the top laminate. Steel coasters use tubular steel, I beam or box section running rails. The supporting structure of both types may be steel or wood. Traditionally, steel coasters employed inversions to thrill riders, whereas wooden coasters relied on steep drops and sharp changes in direction to deliver their thrills. However, recent advances in coaster technology has seen the rise of hybrid steel coasters with wooden structures, an example being the New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas and, wooden coasters that feature inversions, an example being Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City as well as 2018’s addition Steel Vengeance.

Technology

As better technology became available, engineers began to use computerized design tools to calculate the forces and stresses that the ride would subject passengers to. Computers are now used to design safe coasters with specially designed restraints and lightweight and durable materials. Today, tubular steel tracks and polyurethane wheels allow coasters to travel over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), while even taller, faster, and more complex roller coasters continue to be built.