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Computer Simulation

A computer simulation entitled Track Master has been developed utilizing the techniques presented in this research. It was programmed in C++, and runs on Windows and UNIX platforms. It allows the user to interactively design a roller coaster, visualizing the effects of what is created before a physical structure is built. If the effects are undesirable, the track can be modified until the designer is content with the experience of riding the virtual roller coaster.

Track Master is a very flexible program, allowing the user to specify nearly every design parameter; however, its flexibility is also the source of its complexity. It requires the designer to think about the next element while the current one is being designed in order to specify the joint parameters properly. The user also should have some idea of what the dynamic effects of the track will be, and take these into account when specifying the parameters. The closer the dynamics are to the desired effects, the easier the redesign process will be. Additionally, knowledge of the dynamics (or at least some estimate) is required to change the parameters appropriately in the redesign process. The difficulty in using the program shows that the analytical and programming tools are not the only requirements for designing a roller coaster. It truly is a skill in and of itself.

In order to demonstrate the use of the program, as well as the results it produces, an example is provided here. The lists of variables presented below and their values are precisely those which would be provided by or input to the program.



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next up previous contents
Next: Track Master Example Up: Dynamic Simulation and Analysis Previous: Dynamic Results   Contents
Darla Weiss 2000-02-13