Quantitative G forces on various WDW rides

Has anyone quantitatively measured G forces on the Disney rides? I am having fun with a self contained sensor kit that measures G-forces, rotational speed, direction (magnetically) and a few other things. It is an evaluation device called a SensorTile. Link: http://www.st.com/en/evaluation-tools/steval-stlkt01v1.html

I tried it out last year at Disneyland, but the demo software was a bit rough. The only good reading was for California Screamin Link: http://www.beals5.com/temp/California Screamin.pdf It looks like a bit over 4 g’s at the bottom of the loop. For my upcoming trip to WDW, I have updated the software to make data gathering much easier and robust, so hope to get a lot more data. There are g-force recorder apps for cell phones, but they all seem pretty basic, so going for something more detailed and calibrated. Intent is to get data on anything that moves faster than a boat ride–OK, may do it for Splash Mountain too.

The device measures 3D acceleration, 3D rotation (good for Mission Space and teacups!), and magnetic direction. Not expecting much useful from the latter due to all the metal and motors in the rides. Barometric pressure can measure altitude differences accurately, but that data i think is well-known.

Fun part for getting the sensor working is I needed something to test the sensor with. Link next is for my BILL NYE MISSION SPACE SIMULATOR OF SCIENCE! (insert echo here) link: http://www.beals5.com/temp/MSSOS.jpg. Yes, it is a salad spinner. :slight_smile: The sensor is just to the right, about 1.5x0.75x0.5 inches, so nice and small and includes the battery.

BTW, understand if folk don’t want to click links. st.com is a big company, so OK but beal5.com is my website. I trust me, but if you are nervous, don’t. I’m not sociable except here (no twitter, Facebook, etc.), so not sure how else to post more than text.

If all goes well, hope to post data after my upcoming (T-minus 19 days!) trip.

will

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You need to adjust the second link. I think you inadvertently put a space in it, so it just goes to a 404 page.

But very interesting stuff. Love the science of theme parks.

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Love this kind of stuff! Amusement Park science is so fascinating and fun. Rides are all about Physics! I’m actually going to be skipping Mission Space this time around sadly, because of a herniated disc in my spine, I’m just too worried that the G’s will negatively effect my back but I normally LOVE experiencing that feeling and LOVED California Screamin’ for that reason!

OK, the file in the second link did have a space in it that didn’t paste right. Hopefully this will work:
http://www.beals5.com/temp/California%20Screamin.pdf Seems to in the preview window.

I just retired as an engineer, so now I get to do engineering work for fun! I get serious (and deserved) eye rolls from family members when I try to explain this is all in the interest of good science! Who says WDW isn’t educational? :slight_smile:

Mjfc42083: Bummer. That is definitely a fear for me, something that means I can’t enjoy thrill rides. Hopefully you will get fixed soon. My DSDS21 (Disney Son with Downs Syndrome–21) had an issue for 5 years common to kids with DS that meant no roller coasters. It was a happy day when the tests came back saying the restriction was lifted!

will

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oh I’m so glad he’s able to enjoy them now! I work with people with special needs and my last trip to Disneyland, the entire time I kept saying things like “omg my client would love this” and “I wish I could bring them all here to experience this with us”. Fills my heart with such joy seeing folks who are differently abled out in the parks enjoying themselves. :heart: