Finite Element Analysis of a Rollercoaster Wheel Assembly

ME406A-01Lorenzo Gutierrez

Object to Analyze – Roller Coaster Wheel Assembly

Modeling in FEMAP

Mesh

Front View

Side View

Back View

Underside View

Loads – 5 Scenarios

Main Wheels Only – 6000 lb

Main and Guide Wheels – 3000 lb each

Guide Wheels Only – 6000 lb

Guide and Upstop Wheels – 3000 lb each

Upstop Wheels Only – 6000 lb

Verification – Top area when the main wheels are the only load bearing components

Simplify to a C-Channel

Model as a Seesaw beam with a Pin support

FBD

Bending Stress Calculation

Roughly matches the stress around the center!