Engineering continues to out do itself - with computers and finite element analysis - creating "thrill" roller coaster rides which test our faith in physics. I love the physics – and the curvilinear ride tracks – and they say riding the coasters is safer than driving…but geezzz, why do it?
Well here is a video of an Intamin ride [1] which starts at 300 feet above ground – and is clearly a thrill (and the music’s cool too).
How can this technology be used other than in amusement?
I have photos of a very beautiful wood roller coaster in Massachusetts - I'll scope my archives and get the photos up here soon.
Links:
[1] http://www.intaminworldwide.com/iag/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=32