How the complex forces in a rollercoaster design are calculated with precision by its designers, using a mathematical model.

Transcript -- Calculated thrills

Why is a rollercoaster so exciting and terrifying, yet safe? Modern rollercoasters such as ‘Nemesis’ are engineered very precisely to create an exciting experience for thrill-seekers. This short album visits Alton Towers theme park in England, and explores the part that mathematicians play in rollercoaster design, using mathematical models to calculate the ride's accelerations and forces to obtain the desired experience. This material forms part of The Open University course MST121 Using mathematics.

Share Transcript -- Calculated thrills

Sign up to save your podcasts

Transcript -- Calculated thrills

Transcript -- Calculated thrills

More shows like Rollercoaster design - for iPod/iPhone

Writing Poetry - Audio

Bon départ: beginners' French - Audio

Beginners’ Chinese - Audio

Ecosystems: living communities - for iPod/iPhone

Investigating fungi: the wood-wide web - for iPod/iPhone

Search Engines of the Future: The Pharos project - for iPod/iPhone

Wales: Culture and identity - Audio

Charles Dickens: Celebrity Author - Audio

Andante: beginners' Italian - Audio

International Relations - for iPod/iPhone