Why do roller coasters use clothoid loops instead of circular loops?

Answer 1

Roller coasters use clothoid loops instead of circular loops for two primary reasons: rider comfort and safety.

1. Rider comfort: Clothoid loops, also known as Euler spirals, have a varying curvature that gradually increases towards the center and decreases as it moves away from the center. This design helps to minimize the forces experienced by the riders, specifically the g-forces (gravitational forces), as the coaster goes through the loop. In a circular loop, the g-forces would be much higher at the bottom of the loop and suddenly decrease at the top, leading to a sharp change in acceleration, which can cause discomfort and potential injury to riders.

2. Safety: The varying curvature of clothoid loops ensures that the coaster maintains a more consistent speed throughout the loop, reducing the risk of a sudden drop in speed at the top, which could potentially cause the coaster to fall backward or get stuck upside-down. The circular loop, on the other hand, would require the coaster to have a much higher speed at the bottom to maintain enough momentum to get through the top of the loop, increasing the risk of dangerous acceleration changes and sudden deceleration at the top of the loop.

In summary, clothoid loops offer a smoother and safer ride by minimizing extreme g-forces and providing better speed control throughout the loop. This makes the roller coaster experience more enjoyable for riders and reduces the risk of incidents.