How does a Pendulum Swing Ride Work?

April 02, 2020

A pendulum swing ride belongs to thrill amusement rides that combines rotation and swing.

Many people are wondering how does a pendulum swing ride work.

Sinorides, as a professional amusement park rides manufacturer in China, will help you explain it.

The configuration of the pendulum swing ride mainly consists of a gondola, an arm and an axle. One end of the arm is fitted with a passenger-carrying gondola, while the other is attached to the axle.

The centripetal force acts on the pendulum swing ride in two different ways. It acts on the main axle, which allows the gondola to swing back and forth. At the same time, the centripetal force acts on the gondola, turning it.

The arm of pendulum swing ride extends beyond the axle and is fitted with a heavy counterweight. The counterweight is often used when the gondola swings through an inversion.

The pendulum swing ride uses the concept of gravity and centripetal force to operate. It is propelled by one of two methods: a series of DC motors driving the axle, or wheels at the base of the station pushing the gondola as it swings by. From which, passengers can have a strong sense of centrifugal force and weightlessness.