This article focuses on controlling of a 13,000-ton retractable steel sodium roof of the Safeco field. The roof is built in three telescoping sections, which spans 8.9 acres, travels atop two parallel elevated runways along the length of the stadium’s north and south sides. The basic intent behind Safeco Field was to honor the open-air tradition of vintage ballparks, such as Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field, while protecting players and fans from the fickle Northwest weather. When needed, the roof will move out over the field at a speed of 30 feet per minute, with the leading end section traveling the longest distance, 532 feet. This giant umbrella relies on a network of 96 adjustable-voltage dc motors driving 36-inch-diameter wheels along steel rails, all load balanced with the help of “cutout” gear couplings, specially modified for quick, easy deployment.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
July 1999
Select Article
Keeping the Fans Dry
What Does it Take to Control a 13,000-ton Retractable Steel Stadium Roof?.
This article was prepared by staff writers in collaboration with outside contributors.
Mechanical Engineering. Jul 1999, 121(07): 60-61 (2 pages)
Published Online: July 1, 1999
Citation
(July 1, 1999). "Keeping the Fans Dry." ASME. Mechanical Engineering. July 1999; 121(07): 60–61. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1999-JUL-5
Download citation file:
342
Views
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Body Double
Mechanical Engineering (November 2023)
A Golden Eye in the Sky
Mechanical Engineering (November 2023)
One Small Bite for Man, One Giant Feast for Mankind
Mechanical Engineering (November 2023)
Texas Can Go Big to Reach Net Zero
Mechanical Engineering (November 2023)
Related Articles
Numerical and Experimental Study of the Loaded Transmission Error of a Worm Gear With a Plastic Wheel
J. Mech. Des (June,2008)
Power Efficiency of the Rotational-to-Linear Infinitely Variable
Cobotic Transmission
J. Mech. Des (December,2007)
Analysis of Wheel/Rail Contact Geometry on Railroad Turnout Using Longitudinal Interpolation of Rail Profiles
J. Comput. Nonlinear Dynam (April,2011)
Modern Locomotive and Axle-Testing Equipment
Trans. ASME (April,1937)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
How the Worm Gear Developed through Time
Design and Application of the Worm Gear
Tooth Forms
Design and Application of the Worm Gear
Backlash
Design and Application of the Worm Gear