Open Source Physics in the Amusement Park
All materials are available for use under a Creative Commons License. All computer code available under a GPL license

This page contains links to materials presented by Mike Gallis at the AAPT Summer 2001 meeting.

Simulations

Simple Circular Motions Rides

This could include Merry-Go-Rounds as well as some more adrenaline inducing rides.

Merry-Go-Round
Snapshot: Simple Circular Motion Applet with Lagged Controls

Applet, Source, Worksheet, Worksheet Source

Merry Mixer (a.k.a. The Scrambler)

Circular motion superimposed on circular motion can provide some rapidly varying acceleration.

Merry Mixer
Snapshot: Merry Mixer Applet with Lagged Controls (new control display in progress)

Applet, Source, Worksheet, Worksheet Source

"Free Fall of Fear" Elevator Ride Applet

Student's can construct elevator ride experience as an introduction to kinematics, apparant weight and G-forces.

elevator ride
Snapshot: Free Fall of Fear

Applet, Source, Worksheet, Worksheet Source

Pirate Ship Swing Ride

The ship swing ride offers an exploration of oscilations, dependence of frequency on amplitude and energy-torque relations.

Ship Swing Ride
Snapshot: Pirate Ship Swing Ride (remember to press and hold drive button)

Applet, Source, Worksheet, Worksheet Source

Swing Ride

This swing ride applet is a physical simulation of the classic swing ride found at many amusement parks and carnivals.

Swing Ride
Snapshot: Swing Ride

Applet, Source, Worksheet, Worksheet Source

Merry Mixer (a.k.a. The Scrambler)

Circular motion superimposed on circular motion can provide some rapidly varying acceleration.

Merry Mixer
Snapshot: Merry Mixer Applet with Lagged Controls (new control display in progress)

Applet, Source, Worksheet, Worksheet Source

Movies

Resources

Credits


by Dr. Michael R. Gallis
Associate Professor of Physics
Penn State Schuylkill
200 University Dr.
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
mrg3@psu.edu