Title: Modelling tracks for roller coaster dynamics

Authors: Joao Pombo, Jorge Ambrosio

Addresses: Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Abrantes, Instituto Politecnico de Tomar, Rua 17 de Agosto de 1808, 2200-370 Abrantes, Portugal. ' IDMEC, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract: A methodology for the accurate description of three dimensional track geometries is proposed. Cubic, Akima and shape preserving splines are proposed for track parameterisation. The track description uses Frenet frames that provide the track referential at every point. During dynamic analysis a pre-calculated database is linearly interpolated to form the kinematic constraints that enforce the wheelsets of the vehicle to move along the track with a prescribed angular orientation. This approach allows calculating the reaction forces that develop between the vehicle and the track. The formulation is discussed emphasising the influence of the parameterisation methods to construct the track geometry.

Keywords: railway parameterisation; Frenet frame; spatial curve geometry; prescribed motion constraints; Akima splines; shape-preserving splines; track reaction forces; track modelling; roller coaster dynamics; kinematic constraints; track geometry; rail-guided vehicles; vehicle design; roller coaster track; roller coasters.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2007.014916

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2007 Vol.45 No.4, pp.470 - 500

Published online: 17 Aug 2007 *

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