Trebuchet design project
Spring 2003 Physics project
May 19 & 20 - Trebuchet Launch Dates
(21st and 22nd rain days)
Students enrolled in Physics I are required to research, design, and build a model trebuchet capable of throwing a golf ball.
Don't think you can do it? Just remember:
Professionals built the Titanic; Amateurs built the Ark
Read all about the project requirements
There is little information on trebuchet in print so you have to rely on internet geeks for your research. Don't worry - there is a ton of information about trebuchet online. Start with a Google search.
Trebuchet Links
- The Algorithmic Beauty of the Trebuchet - you can download a piece of shareware from this site that will simulate the action of a trebuchet you design. Available in Mac and Windows versions although the Windows version is a little buggy (created in Real Basic).
- It predicts the range and efficiency of your design.
- If you are designing a fixed weight trebuchet then you will have the mass on the throwing arm. Therefore, the distance between the weight and the arm is zero but the software fails if you make l4=0 so make it very small instead (like 0.001 or something).
- Other trebuchet links listed.
- ATreb - trebuchet.com's simulation that is pretty awesome. Download a free demo or buy it for $20.
- Trebuchet.com - the authority on trebuchet
- siege-engine.com - lots of crazy information
- Search for Trebuchet at eBay.com
- NOVA's Medieval Seige movie (the one we watched in class) web site with a Shockwave demo
Other high school trebuchet