Loop (roller coaster)
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History
The vertical loop is not a recent roller coaster innovation. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century where primitive wooden roller coasters featured loops, often resulting in rider injuries due to a limited understanding of the loop's physics and insufficient safety devices.
Physics/Mechanics
In actuality, most roller coaster loops are not circular in shape. Most loops are clothoid in shape -- slightly vertically thinner. The shape resembles an inverted tear drop and allows for a less intense G-forces throughout the element for the rider.
At the top of a loop, gravity helps to pull the rider around the bend; at the bottom, gravity and the loop are in opposition. Also, the train is slower at the top of the loop. If the loop's curvature is constant, clearly the rider is subjected to the most force at the bottom. If the curvature of the track changes suddenly, as from level to a circular loop, that greatest force is imposed almost instantly (see jerk). Gradual changes in curvature, as in the clothoid, reduce the force maximum (permitting more speed) and allow the rider time to cope safely with the changing force.
Obviously this "gentling" runs somewhat contrary to the coaster's raison d'être. Schwarzkopf-designed roller coasters often feature circular loops resulting in intense rides -- a trademark for the designer.de:Looping (Achterbahn)