Vertical loop: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:45, 9 February 2025

Type of roller coaster element

Vertical loop

A vertical loop is a type of roller coaster inversion in which the track makes a 360-degree turn in a vertical plane, resembling a loop. This element is one of the most common inversions found on roller coasters and is often the first inversion that riders experience.

History

The concept of the vertical loop dates back to the late 19th century. The first looping roller coaster, the Flip Flap Railway, was built in 1895 at Sea Lion Park in Coney Island, New York. This early design featured a circular loop, which resulted in high g-forces that were uncomfortable for riders.

The Flip Flap Railway at Coney Island, one of the first looping coasters.

In 1976, the modern vertical loop was popularized by the Schwarzkopf-designed Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain. This design used a clothoid (teardrop-shaped) loop, which provided a smoother ride by reducing the g-forces experienced by riders.

Design

Vertical loops are typically designed in a teardrop shape, known as a clothoid loop. This shape allows for a gradual increase and decrease in g-forces, making the inversion more comfortable for riders. The loop begins with a steep ascent, followed by an inversion at the top, and then a descent back to the original track level.

Physics

The physics of a vertical loop involves the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy and vice versa. As the train ascends the loop, it slows down due to gravity, reaching its slowest point at the top. The train then accelerates as it descends, gaining speed and kinetic energy. The design of the loop ensures that the train maintains enough speed to complete the inversion without stalling.

Variations

While the traditional vertical loop is the most common, there are several variations, including the corkscrew, batwing, and cobra roll. These elements incorporate multiple inversions and complex track layouts.

Notable Examples

- Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Shockwave at Six Flags Over Texas - Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Cultural Impact

Vertical loops have become iconic symbols of roller coasters and are often featured in media and popular culture. They are a staple of thrill rides and are used to attract visitors to amusement parks.

Related pages

References

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-'''Vertical Loop''' refers to a specific type of loop in [[roller coaster]] design and is a fundamental element in [[amusement park]] attractions and [[engineering]]. This loop is characterized by its vertical, circular track which riders traverse, experiencing a combination of gravitational and inertial forces. The vertical loop is not only a staple in roller coaster design but also serves as a critical study point in the fields of [[physics]] and [[mechanical engineering]].
+{{Short description|Type of roller coaster element}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+==Vertical loop==
+A '''vertical loop''' is a type of [[roller coaster]] inversion in which the track makes a 360-degree turn in a vertical plane, resembling a loop. This element is one of the most common inversions found on roller coasters and is often the first inversion that riders experience.
 ==History==
-The concept of the vertical loop has been a part of roller coaster evolution since the late 19th century. The first successful implementation of a full-scale vertical loop was on the "Flip Flap Railway" at Sea Lion Park in Coney Island, New York, in 1895. However, due to its circular shape, it exerted excessive [[G-force]]s on riders, leading to discomfort and injuries. This issue was addressed in the 1970s with the introduction of the modern vertical loop by [[Arrow Dynamics]], which featured a teardrop shape to reduce the intensity of the G-forces on riders.
+The concept of the vertical loop dates back to the late 19th century. The first looping roller coaster, the [[Flip Flap Railway]], was built in 1895 at [[Sea Lion Park]] in [[Coney Island]], [[New York]]. This early design featured a circular loop, which resulted in high g-forces that were uncomfortable for riders.
+[[File:Flipflaprailway.jpg|thumb|right|The Flip Flap Railway at Coney Island, one of the first looping coasters.]]
+In 1976, the modern vertical loop was popularized by the [[Schwarzkopf]]-designed [[Revolution (roller coaster)|Revolution]] at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]]. This design used a clothoid (teardrop-shaped) loop, which provided a smoother ride by reducing the g-forces experienced by riders.
+==Design==
+Vertical loops are typically designed in a teardrop shape, known as a clothoid loop. This shape allows for a gradual increase and decrease in g-forces, making the inversion more comfortable for riders. The loop begins with a steep ascent, followed by an inversion at the top, and then a descent back to the original track level.
+[[File:Shockwave_coaster_sfot.jpg|thumb|right|The Shockwave coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, featuring a vertical loop.]]
+==Physics==
+The physics of a vertical loop involves the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy and vice versa. As the train ascends the loop, it slows down due to gravity, reaching its slowest point at the top. The train then accelerates as it descends, gaining speed and kinetic energy. The design of the loop ensures that the train maintains enough speed to complete the inversion without stalling.
+==Variations==
+While the traditional vertical loop is the most common, there are several variations, including the [[corkscrew]], [[batwing]], and [[cobra roll]]. These elements incorporate multiple inversions and complex track layouts.
+[[File:Ci_loop.jpg|thumb|right|A vertical loop on a roller coaster.]]
-==Design and Physics==
+==Notable Examples==
-The design of a vertical loop in roller coasters is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of riders. The modern vertical loop utilizes a teardrop shape, as opposed to a perfect circle, to minimize the G-forces exerted on riders. This shape ensures that the centripetal force required to keep the riders in motion does not exceed safe limits, especially at the top of the loop where the riders are upside down.
+- [[Revolution (roller coaster)|Revolution]] at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]]
+- [[Shockwave (Six Flags Over Texas)|Shockwave]] at [[Six Flags Over Texas]]
+- [[Viper (Six Flags Magic Mountain)|Viper]] at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]]
-The physics behind the vertical loop involves several key principles, including [[centripetal force]], [[gravity]], and [[inertia]]. As the roller coaster train enters the loop, it must have sufficient speed to complete the loop without stalling. The speed, combined with the shape of the loop, creates a centripetal force that acts on the riders, pushing them into their seats and allowing them to safely navigate the loop even while upside down.
+==Cultural Impact==
+Vertical loops have become iconic symbols of roller coasters and are often featured in media and popular culture. They are a staple of thrill rides and are used to attract visitors to amusement parks.
-==Safety Considerations==
+[[File:Mickey_Mouse_Silhouette_On_California_Screamin'.jpg|thumb|right|A vertical loop on the California Screamin' coaster, featuring a Mickey Mouse silhouette.]]
-Safety is a paramount concern in the design and operation of roller coasters featuring vertical loops. Engineers must carefully calculate the minimum and maximum speeds at which the coaster can safely traverse the loop. These calculations take into account factors such as the height of the loop, the mass of the train, and the distribution of riders. Additionally, modern roller coasters are equipped with multiple safety systems, including restraint systems that securely hold riders in place and structural supports designed to withstand the forces exerted by the coaster and environmental factors like wind and earthquakes.
-==Impact and Legacy==
+==Related pages==
-The vertical loop has had a significant impact on the design and popularity of roller coasters worldwide. It has become a symbol of thrill and excitement in amusement parks, pushing the boundaries of engineering and design. The quest for more innovative and thrilling loops has led to the development of variations such as the [[inverted loop]], where riders experience the loop with their feet dangling, and the [[launch coaster]], which uses propulsion systems to achieve the necessary speed for loops and other elements.
+* [[Roller coaster inversion]]
+* [[Roller coaster elements]]
+* [[Schwarzkopf (manufacturer)]]
-==See Also==
+[[File:Walygator_Comet_looping.jpg|thumb|right|A vertical loop on the Walygator Comet coaster.]]
-* [[Roller Coaster Elements]]
-* [[G-Force in Roller Coasters]]
-* [[Amusement Park Safety]]
-[[Category:Amusement Rides]]
+==References==
-[[Category:Roller Coaster Design]]
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Engineering]]
-{{Amusement-park-stub}}
+[[Category:Roller coaster elements]]