Catapult
Ballista
Trebuchet
Mangonel
Project and competition:
- Create the device
- Write up a lab report with diagrams, targeting capabilities outlined, and table / equations which calculate adjustments needed to hit a target located at some location (x, y, z) in front of your mechanical device.
- Use a computer program such as excel or Mathematica to read in a relative target position, and calculate the necessary mechanical adjustments for your device. (If you are interested in using a different program for this like C++ or MatLab, just let me know!)
2 different categories to compete in:
1. Distance - 50% extra credit on final for whoever's device projects something the longest distance.
2. Accuracy- 100% on final for whoever calculates trajectories and hits their targets the most accurately.
Rules:
Projectile device must:
- be mechanical (no fires, no chemical reactions)
- be safe (no explosives or dangerous air pressures)
- be no larger than 2 ft by 2 ft by 2ft
- cannot be taped or otherwise anchored to table/ground/floor
- have a triggering mechanism consisting of either pushing on something with a standard pencil eraser, or pulling on a string.
- Can launch a round projectile (no arrows) whose size is no larger than a baseball. (You can use marbles, ping-pong balls, ball bearings, anything smaller than a baseball)
- Students need to make their own device - no kits or store-bought toys.
Distance: Best out of 3 launches
Accuracy: 3 different targets, 2 chances at each target. Targets will range in distance from 1 ft to 12 ft away. One target will be located at a different height than launch position.
The Final Showdown:
The top 3 most accurate devices will have a shoot-off.
In a 5 minute period, shoot as many objects as you can into a target located 8 ft away. You can use your own projectiles, or there will be bags of marbles that you can use if you wish.
Good luck!
