List of roller coaster elements
coaster design and features
Roller coasters are widely known for their drops, inversions, airtime, and other intense ride elements that contribute to the ride. They are also made up of a variety of features and components responsible for the mechanical operation and safety of the ride. Some are very common and appear on every roller coaster in some form, while others are unique to certain makes and models. Amusement parks often compete to build the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coasters to attract thrill seekers and boost park attendance. As coaster design evolved with the aid of computer-simulated models, newer innovations produced more intense thrills while improving overall quality and durability.
Common elements
Banked turn
A banked turn is when the track twists from the horizontal plane into the vertical plane, tipping the train to the side in the direction of the turn. Banking is used to minimize the lateral G-forces on the riders to make the turn more comfortable. When a banked turn continues to create an upward or downward spiral of approximately 360 degrees or more, it becomes a helix.
Brake run
A brake run on a roller coaster is any section of track that utilizes some form of brakes to slow or stop a roller coaster train. The most common type is the friction brake, often called a fin brake, which involves a series of hydraulically powered clamps that close and squeeze metal fins attached to the underside of a coaster train.
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