Colloquia

Summary

Amusement rides often have large motions, which introduce nonlinear equations of motion. Linear finite element (FE) models cannot solve these equations, which leads to a high level of uncertainty. Multibody dynamic (MBD) analysis can account for large motions, but assumes all parts to be rigid. The focus of this research is on a specific class of theme park rides, named rotating tower rides. These rides consist of a vertical tower rotating around its axis, with some type of moving gondolas attached. This is a common type of ride and is built by many different manufacturers. Predicting the loads and internal stresses accurately is a common difficulty, especially at the connection of the tower to the bearing.

This research uses a case study to determine a method to combine FE analysis and a MBD model, to obtain a flexible model which can be used for structures with large motions. Multiple models are made of both the tower and the bearing in Matlab, Ansys and Adams and a static analysis is used to validate all models. However, since validation of the Adams model was unsuccessful, there is more emphasis on the method of applying flexible multibody analysis. Two dynamic analyses are done. In the first, the rotation of the tower is constrained. Removing this large motion should lead to similar results from the FE model and the flexible MBD model. The second analysis includes this rotation and comparing these results shows the added value of using a flexible MBD analysis.