I had no idea that it is actually being developed:
Unlike the human body, roller coaster technology today seems to have hardly any limits.
Electromagnets have recently overtaken cables as the must-have launch mechanisms. The magnet-launched rides use powerful linear-induction motors to generate a magnetic wave that propels the cars down the track.
As president of the coaster-design company Premier Rides, Jim Seay is at the forefront of electromagnetic coaster technology. The company used the technology in attractions like the two Revenge of the Mummy coasters, one at the Universal Studios Florida theme park in Orlando and one at Universal Studios Hollywood in California.
At the heart of these magnetic systems are linear-induction motors.
"The vehicles have very lightweight, high-conductivity [aluminum] fins on them. When those fins pass through the linear-induction motors, that's when we create the traveling magnetic wave, which propels the fins," Seay said.
"It's almost like the vehicle is surfing a traveling magnetic wave," Seay said.
According to Seay, the next generation of rides will enable the cars to magnetically levitate on the track—using the same maglev technology touted as the future of rail travel.
The result would be a completely frictionless ride, without any of the bumps and noise of traditional roller coasters.
Advances in propulsion are only the beginning.
Computer-aided design and precision manufacturing of steel mean rides can now go to heights of 500 feet (152 meters) or more and still remain within safety parameters, experts say.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/05/060524-coasters_2.html