This  is a collection of questions that have been asked of us by students working on ride, special effect, and related projects. Perhaps you will find some of the answers helpful. Click on the answer to see the response. 

To ask a question, see Email inside the Contact menu button. Talk to you later......

Most Often Asked #1:
Question: I'm an eighth grade student, and I'd like to be a roller coaster design engineer. What do I need to know?

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Most Often Asked #2:
Question: I am currently in college studying engineering. I have always had a passion for how amusement rides operate. Please answer the following questions about how I might get into this field. 

More Questions.....

Q1:  I'm a student majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I am currently doing a project designing a roller coaster. Presently I'm working on the safety and controls aspects of a roller coaster. I was wondering if you can provide me with a general overview of how a typical safety and controls system works. 

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Q2: Would you be able to provide me with specific examples of how hydraulics and pneumatics are used in amusement park rides?  I am conducting research for a science text book. 

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Q3:  For braking, usually how big is a fin brake and is it usually in the middle or are they toward the sides? 

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Q4:  I was wondering what is the power requirement of a typical control system.

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Q5:  I am currently a junior in high school.  In our upcoming science symposium, I'm interested in doing a project on the physics of roller coasters.  However, I would like some information on how to create a miniature model of a roller coaster. I would appreciate the help. Thank You. 

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Q6:  I am a freshman engineering student at Vanderbilt University and for one of my classes I am responsible for creating a web page relating Electrical Engineering to entertainment.  One of my aspects of this page is how electrical engineering is used in amusement park rides.  I was wondering if there is any information you could email me or send me about how electrical engineering is specifically used to design and improve the rides that you have worked on.  Thanks for your help. 

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Q7:  I'm 17 years old and I live in Belgium (Europe). I'm now studying mathematics and languages (English, French, Dutch, German). I will graduate this year and I was wondering if a university for Roller coaster-engineers exists. 

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Q8:  I'm 13 years old and I've got a science project to do that involves the LIM. I'm thinking of applying the LIM to things other than roller coasters, like maybe Subways or even elevators but I don't know to much about the LIM. 

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Q9:  I am writing a paper for an Information Technologies class.  I want to demonstrate what affect new technology has had on the amount of entertainment  is now available to everyone.  I was wondering if you could help explain to me just exactly how far technology has come and what are it benefits.  Thank You. 

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Q10:  I have a question or two to relay to you.  I am currently attending a pre-engineering program. They have recently introduced a new program in conjunction with physics. I would attend for three years taking several core physics courses. After three years I would go to a school that has an Engineering program and begin an Electrical Engineering degree. At the completion of the EE degree, I would receive that degree and a degree in physics.

Now, my question is: Is this a good idea and why? How would it be beneficial in the future, if my over-all plans are to obtain a BSEE and a MSEE? What might the advantages and disadvantages be? 

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Q11:  I am currently a college student majoring in engineering with a desire to design and aid in the construction of roller coasters and theme parks. I am writing because I am curious as to which engineering major best suits my future career goals. I would appreciate any advice you have to give. 

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Q12:  Do rides use oil, why or why not?

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Q13:  What happens if the brakes malfunction on a roller coaster? 

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Q14:  In recent times how many have died from amusement park rides and on what rides?

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Q15:  What forms of energy are used to run rides and which rides do they run? What kind of special energy equipment is used?

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Q16:  How big are the motors used to run the roller coasters?

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Q17:  What is the speed of the fastest ride and where is it? What is the largest ride and where is it?

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Q18:  Does the government have to approve a ride before it is built?

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Q19:  Where is the equipment for an amusement park made?

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Q20: I am an 11th grade student turning seventeen at Riverdale Country School in New York City. I have started to think about which colleges I am intending to apply to. The subject that I am most interested in is Physics. I am thinking of applying to mostly engineering schools and the area that interests me the most is the designing of new age roller coaster rides for theme parks. I wrote this letter so that hopefully you could give me some information on which colleges you believe are best in this field. At some point I would also like to do an internship, so if you could send me information on firms like yours that might be interested in hiring me, I would be very appreciative.

Q22: I am in 11th grade and am writing an English paper on roller coasters. Could you give me some information on the costs of building and marketing a rollercoaster?

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Q23: Next year I will be a senior in mechanical engineering at Penn State interested in a career focusing on amusement park ride design. I noticed that one of your questions suggested starting with Walt Disney Imagineering, which is where the author of your answer started. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to get my foot in the door with an engineering firm specializing in amusement rides. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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