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Trebuchet catapult3/21/2023 ![]() ![]() Lightweight Ash wood can be used on smaller machines but larger machines require Oak, Aluminum, or even carbon fiber. The long end should be about 4-5 times longer than the short end (4:1 or 5:1 ratio) and must be constructed to be strong but light. The swing arm lever should be about 1 1/2 times the length of the base. When cocked, the arm should be about 45 degrees from horizontal. the sling) is attached to is called the “long end” while the end that the counterweight is attached to is the “short end”. If you want to really go wild, try incorporating a bearing mechanism such as a bicycle wheel hub to make a very efficient pivot point for the swing arm lever. ![]() A lot of energy can be wasted on the pivot point so make sure the arm can swing with as little resistance as possible. It will be attached to the tower support frame via an axle located between the two primary support beams, providing a pivot point for the arm to swing around. The swing arm lever will have a counterweight attached on one end and the projectile holder on the other end. ![]() The swing arm lever may also be referred to as the “primary swing board”, “long arm lever”, “throwing arm”, “swing arm”, or “long arm beam”. Keeping in mind that the counterweight should be from 75-100 times the weight of the projectile, allow enough width between the primary support beams to allow both the projectile and counterweight to pass through unimpeded. The tower frame height should be about 3/4 the length of the base. A typical A-Frame construction is most common. It consists of two primary support beams, attached to the base, and ancillary support structures for added strength and durability. The tower support frame is what the swing arm lever is attached to. The glide track should be about 3/ the length of the base. It goes without saying that the glide board should be smooth in order to lessen the amount of resistance as the swing harness slides over it. The glide track may have raised or curved sides to guide the swing harness rig along the correct path. The glide track (or glide board) is the surface upon which the swing harness slides after the trebuchet trigger is activated. Since the counterweight must swing through the primary support beams of the frame, the base must be wide enough to allow the counterweight to pass through unimpeded. The width should be about 1/3 of its length. In addition, if the design incorporates wheels, which not only make the trebuchet portable but also improve performance, then they too are attached to the base.Ī general rule of thumb regarding base size is to use a base that is 75% of the length of the swing arm. Likewise, the support frame is also attached to the base. The glide track, upon which the sling harness will slide at the beginning of the throw, is attached to the base. The base must be sturdy and stable to support the “whipping” transfer of energy when the projectile is launched. The base of the Trebuchet supports the glide track and the tower support frame. Basic parts and important design guidelines The Base Besides, most trebuchet enthusiasts, the fun of “hurling” is also in the designing, constructing and modifying their creation. For that reason, the easiest way is to just build one from a picture and tune it as you go. You can begin with plans or pre-made kits but regardless, there are dozens of different trebuchet designs and each kind always requires “tuning” after they are completed. This force of energy can be quite substantial and it is enough to send a projectile flying through the air for an unbelievably long distance.īuilding a trebuchet is less complicated than you would think. When you release this counterweight and allow it to fall the trebuchet pivots on the fulcrum and the other end (with the projectile) receives the energy. In physics terms, raising the counterweight above the ground produces a build up of potential energy. On one end of the trebuchet is a projectile you want to fire and on the other end is a counterweight that falls quickly to raise the throwing arm. In ancient times, it was used to launch (throw) projectiles including boulders, dead horses, and diseased bodies into or over castle walls to soften the defenses in preparation for invasion. A Trebuchet (pronounced treb-oo-shay) is a medieval siege engine that transfers gravitational energy into kinetic energy – similar to a playground see-saw. ![]()
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