How long is an Intamin launch track?

Title says it. How long is a launch track if the train was launched at the speed of about from 90-92 mph? Anyone know?

[hyyyper]

Kingda Ka launches from 0-128 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Xcelerator goes from 0-82 in 2.3 seconds.

Assuming for a second that the required launch time is linear (which it isn't). 90 mph should take around 2.5 seconds.

I we assume that the acceleration is constant (which also isn't the case) then the average velocity in those 2.5 seconds would be 45 mph. Which is equal to 66 feet per second. 2.5 second of that speed gives 165 feet.

That is the answer after some questionable physics and simple math. But it's in the right ballpark. I'd add some length to make sure you have some sort of margin.

Originally posted by hyyyper

Kingda Ka launches from 0-128 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Xcelerator goes from 0-82 in 2.3 seconds.

Assuming for a second that the required launch time is linear (which it isn't). 90 mph should take around 2.5 seconds.

I we assume that the acceleration is constant (which also isn't the case) then the average velocity in those 2.5 seconds would be 45 mph. Which is equal to 66 feet per second. 2.5 second of that speed gives 165 feet.

That is the answer after some questionable physics and simple math. But it's in the right ballpark. I'd add some length to make sure you have some sort of margin.

THANKS!!

Actually, you will need 169 feet if you want a 92 mph launch, but you have to enter in the launch G's as 1.67 G's, because that is the acceleration of Kingda Ka's launch, which is what was used to calculate it. Though you wanted 90 - 92 mph, either value should be fine.

Just remember to enter in the launch G's as 1.67 and you will be good.

Or you could just guess and check in the sim.

or you could use the "ruler" tool in google earth and measure the launch track lengths, and do some more simple math from there, Hyyyper.

Originally posted by Coaster Hero

Title says it. How long is a launch track if the train was launched at the speed of about from 90-92 mph? Anyone know?

Its questions like these that stop people from building great coasters and lead them to more procrastination.

[Coasterkidmwm]

It's not how long it is but how you use it.

the real question is, how long is a piece of string?

[mkingy]

Twice half its length.

the square root of x minus 2 divided by 3 times x.

[SauronHimself]

I don't know what Intamin requires for safety reasons, but the minimum track length can be calculated from the equation (velocity final)^2 = (velocity initial)^2 + 2*a*(delta x). If the launch is from a dead stop, the initial velocity is 0, and of course the final velocity is 92mph or 41.128m/s. Most launched coasters have a launch acceleration of 1.65G's, or 16.19m/s^2. Using that acceleration, the minimum track length to launch a coaster to 92mph would be 52.24m, or 171.4ft. It may be good to add 10m as a buffer zone.