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. 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