Abstract.This paper presents a shape design sensitivity analysis (DSA) method for recreational waterslides with flume sections represented in computer-aided design (CAD) environment. Key dimensions of the flume sections and the overall waterslide configurations are identified as design variables. A set of differential equations based on Lagrange's equation of motion that describe the motion of the riding object are derived. These coupled ordinary differential equations are solved numerically using Mathematica. In addition, analytical shape DSA method has been developed by taking the derivatives of performance of the riding object with respect to CAD design variables. The DSA expressions are stated in coupled differential equations. These equations are also solved using Mathematica. A real-world waterslide configuration is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.

Received: August 22, 2007

AMS Subject Classification: 70-02

Key Words and Phrases: CAD, differential equations, waterslides, shape DSA

Source: International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics
ISSN: 1311-8080
Year: 2009
Volume: 53
Issue: 4