1. Roller Coaster SOSI 2017-2018 Patrick Chalker

2. Device that transports a coaster to the end of a track
What is Roller Coaster????
Device that transports a coaster to the end of a track
Coasters are small spherical objects i.e. (marble, ping pong ball, bearing)
Specific target time

3. Construction Rules 60 cm length x 60 cm width x 80 cm height
Track can not be enclosed at any point
Coaster must be removable at every point
All power for the device has to be from position due to gravity

4. Construction Rules Cont.
Exactly one start line and one finish line
MAY NOT be adjusted during competition
MUST BE designated during impound

5. Gaps
Open span without track that the vehicle must pass to continue with its run
Minimum of 5 cm
Measured from end of track to beginning of track
Vehicle must travel completely unsupported to count for points
Up to 5 distinct gaps can count for points

6. Not Allowed Magnets, electrical and electronic devices
Moving or adjusting the start and finish lines
The track may be adjusted
Bouncing the vehicle as part of
a gap
Funnels
Springs/rubber bands
No potential energy sources

7. Competition Impound Target time 8 minutes to compete
After impound the ES
announces the target time
of the competition
Target time
Between 20 and 45 seconds
5s intervals for regionals and invitationals
2s for state, 1s for nationals
8 minutes to compete
Team can START up to 2 scorable runs in the 8 minutes

8. Competition Cont. Failed runs: must be 1 of the 2 declared runs
Does not start in 8 minute competition time
Vehicle stops moving for 3 seconds
Vehicle leaves the boundaries of the device
Vehicle fails to cross the Finish Line

9. Scoring Height Score + Time Score + Gap Bonus + Time Penalty
Height Score (100 – track height)
Measured from the top part of the track to the floor
Includes pieces of track that are not used
Gap Bonus 5 pts for each whole cm
Measured horizontally from end of track to start of track
5.9cm is considered a 5cm gap

10. Scoring Cont.
Time Score 2 points for every full second UP TO the target time
Target Time is 45 seconds, 44.8 is considered 44 seconds.
Time Penalty -1 point for every full second AFTER the target time
Better to be over time than under time.

11. Height vs. Gaps Start lower, more points.
Start lower, less energy to power gaps
1 point per 1 vertical cm, 5 points per 1 horizontal cm.

12. Slowing Methods Angling the coaster Speedbumps Alternate track parts
More angle on a board, the higher a vehicle is, more energy due to gravitational position.
Speedbumps
Flaps, notches of wood, pieces of clay
Alternate track parts
Swap out whole sections of track
Swap vehicle.
Marble vs. steel bearing vs. ping pong ball

13. Slowing Methods Examples
Angling the coaster
More angle on a board, the higher a vehicle is, more energy due to gravitational position.

14. Slowing Methods
Speedbumps
Flaps, notches of wood, pieces of clay

15. Slowing Methods
Alternate track parts
Swap out whole sections of track

16. Materials Scrap! Strength in transport Paper, wood, tubing, anything.
Consistency in entire coaster
Strength in transport
Reliable and sturdy transportation box.
Avoid overly sensitive parts, this isn’t Mission!

19. General Tips Coasters are hands on and inexpensive
Build many! Try different designs
Vary vehicles, different sizes/masses/materials
Vary methods of slowing down vehicles, be consistant in methods