Can I Make a proper roller coaster in Onshape

caleb_alexis

Is it possible to make a roller coaster in Onshape with proper banking and such? I have a program to make roller coasters and export a CSV file that is the center of the rails. I know how to import this into Onshape but is there a way to add banking or twisting to the roller coaster?

Derek_Van_Allen_BD

That's the next logical step for my Tweep feature, and one of my plans for it in the future. We've also got some examples of water slide drafting in the forum somewhere I'm sure @EvanReese will be along to link.

MichaelPascoe

Using @Derek_Van_Allen_BD's new tweep feature, you can configure a part studio to make rail segments, then insert those segments into an assembly. Next you would need to design where the supports go and run multiple FEA on the entire thing.

Here is an example of how to insert and snap configured parts into an assembly:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/ed4854784a976b004aa8b988/w/c903869eb24eb1923ab12990/e/640174d836e83...

And here is an example of a configured track segment part studio:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/ed4854784a976b004aa8b988/w/c903869eb24eb1923ab12990/e/0d36e74d...

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EvanReese

Naturally.

@caleb_alexis The best way I've found for good dynamic control over banking is using a Ruled Surface feature set to "angle from direction" and "cubic interpolation" then adding point overrides and using those to bank it. The ruled surface can be used as an input for Sweep later. Since you're already generating a CSV though, you might be able to also generate a curve to control banking and Loft from your center curve to this one and get the same result, but controlled only by your CSV.