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- Tribune illustrations By Andy Dorsett and David Williams     (click on the image to enlarge)

The Science Of SheiKra TAMPA - They don't call them thrill rides for nothing. Modern roller coasters such as SheiKra, at Busch Gardens, are designed to push the body to spine-tingling limits. A good coaster plan, experts say, is a matter of having fun with Newtonian physics. SheiKra combines potential energy, speed, gravity and change of direction to give riders a sense of euphoria - along with a touch of fear and nausea - without too much physical stress. SheiKra is designed to deliver and release gravitational force within an acceptable range, says Mark Rose, vice president of design and engineering at Busch Gardens. The thrill comes from what are called G-forces, with 1 G being equivalent to a person's normal weight. A 100-pound person under 2 G's, then, experiences 200 pounds of force. People riding SheiKra will feel four times their body weight. Full story

Hold On Tight The Dive    Passengers clear the top, then hurl downward at an angle of 90 degrees. They hit 70 mph at the bottom of the dive and feel a gravitational pull four times their body weight. All Aboard    SheiKra's Swiss-built cars use nylon and polyurethane wheels to limit track friction and help cars glide smoothly over the track, which was shaped in Italy and manufactured in Cincinnati. Computers monitor and control the cars' location throughout the ride. (Click on the image to enlarge.) Attractions In The Bay Area    The West Central Florida area is a vacation destination paradise. We literally have dozens of theme parks and other diversions right on our doorstep. Browse our online guide to all the Bay area has to offer from mermaids to manatees. Source: The Tampa Tribune Online producer: Vidisha Priyanka

The Ride The Experience TAMPA – Kurt Loft, science writer for The Tampa Tribune, talks about g-forces, free falls and hurling after taking a ride aboard Sheikra. Wild Ride News Channel 8 On SheiKra, Shriek AH! The Science Of SheiKra A New Member Of The Family At Busch Gardens SheiKra is the latest of seven roller coasters at Busch Gardens. The other rides are Kumba, Python, Cheetah Chase, Scorpion, Gwazi and Montu. The park Related Multimedia Reports Virtual Ride of SheiKra Busch Gardens Offers Best Of Both Worlds Roller Coasters Behind The Serengeti The Bird Behind The Ride The ride SheiKra is named for the shikra, a small hawk. The bird is mainly found in Africa and southern Asia. Its preferred habitat is savannas or cultivated areas. Coaster Rides Through History Click to see larger image   Links • TBO.com Attractions guide • Busch Gardens: Official Site  Related Links: • Download Adobe Acrobat • Download Real One Player

 

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