This article was taken from the July 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
The tallest and fastest roller coaster in Europe, Shambhala, opened in May in PortAventura in Salou, Spain.
So how do you design a speedy hypercoaster? Luis Valencia, director of development at the theme park, takes wired through two of the most technically demanding sections of the 1,650-metre track. Hold tight, here it comes...
Lift and first fall
The coaster is 78 metres tall. "Deciding the specific height of this first fall was the main design challenge because I had to maintain a consistent balance," says Valencia.
Double helix
"The most complex point is the double helix, a key point that accelerates the train. Its unique design involves the installation of many more piles than any other part of the ride."
Lake and splash effect
"One of the most dramatic effects of the journey is the big splash effect when the train crosses the lake. The effect is simulated, assisted by water cannons, to keep the speed of the train."
Tunnel
"One of the many difficulties we encountered in the field was the excavation of the tunnel, because the area we chose was pure rock. This has forced us to make the excavation at two levels."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
