We were assigned to make a trebuchet that was in compliance with the following guidelines. The goal of the trebuchet was to fire a projectile as far as possible. The first requirement was that our trebuchet was always less than one meter in length at any point during the launching of the projectile. The projectile had to be made of clay. We first started by using a release system when used would let the arm go into motion launching the projectile. The stopper in the release mechanism was a small wooden rod that was attached to a string that when pulled would release the arm. We also started out by using a different, shorter arm that was unable to give us the right amount of power needed to launch the projectile its maximum distance. Also in the first design, we used only four pairs of rubber bands which did not swing the arm around fast enough to maximize the distance of the projectile.
To modify our trebuchet into the final version that we have now, we first changed the rotating arm used to launch the projectile. We used a longer version with the fulcrum in the center so that we had enough room to attach the rubber bands. We also used 15 pairs of rubber bands instead of only using four so that we could get the maximum range out of our catapult. We removed the release mechanism so there was no interference with the arm in the process of launching of the projectile. In order to be able to measure the angle of release of the projectile, we changed the position of the nail from the side of the arm to the bottom of the arm. This new and improved version of our original design gave us the maximum distance of travel for our projectile.
In our machine there were many components of math and physics. The farthest distance of the projectile that we recorded was 31 meters. The time that the projectile was in air was 2.46 seconds. The vertical velocity was 12.1 meters per second, the horizontal velocity was 12.6 meters per second, and the total velocity was 17.47 meters per second. The release angle of the projectile was 55 degrees. The spring constant of all of the rubber bands combined is 36.1 jules. The spring's potential energy is also 36.1 jules. The kinetic energy of the projectile is 1.53 jules.
To modify our trebuchet into the final version that we have now, we first changed the rotating arm used to launch the projectile. We used a longer version with the fulcrum in the center so that we had enough room to attach the rubber bands. We also used 15 pairs of rubber bands instead of only using four so that we could get the maximum range out of our catapult. We removed the release mechanism so there was no interference with the arm in the process of launching of the projectile. In order to be able to measure the angle of release of the projectile, we changed the position of the nail from the side of the arm to the bottom of the arm. This new and improved version of our original design gave us the maximum distance of travel for our projectile.
In our machine there were many components of math and physics. The farthest distance of the projectile that we recorded was 31 meters. The time that the projectile was in air was 2.46 seconds. The vertical velocity was 12.1 meters per second, the horizontal velocity was 12.6 meters per second, and the total velocity was 17.47 meters per second. The release angle of the projectile was 55 degrees. The spring constant of all of the rubber bands combined is 36.1 jules. The spring's potential energy is also 36.1 jules. The kinetic energy of the projectile is 1.53 jules.
Reflection
This project was very fun to work on. It gave us a very creative environment to work in and let us really be free in what our trebuchet was going to look like and how it was going to work. To improve during my next project, i will attempt to make a more logical timeline on what we are going to do and when we are going to do it. This will help me and my group stay organized during the entire project and will really make the project better in the end. Overaall, this project was very exciting to work on and was a great experience.