how in the world do you even begin to build something as complicated as a trebuchet?? i mean its like a geometry nightmare!!! what in the world do i do? where do i start??
2007-01-28 09:54:41 · 9 answers · asked by musical_genius 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Here is a link to a site that might help with a design. You can always start with a small 'desktop' model and then scale it up from there.
2007-01-28 10:07:55 · answer #1 · answered by Shaula 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To first build a trebuchet, you need a solid base. Once you have chosen your base, you must figure out the focal point for maximum trejectory. This varies upon the height of the trebuchet and the distance of the proposed target. After establishing your focal point, you should build triangular support beam with a pivoting crossbar. The crossbar should a section in the middle where the arm will be. There should also be a dead wieght at one end of the trebuchet to provide added pull. Least but not least is the catch. The catch is what holds the unweighted end of the arm in place until it is released. If the balance is correct, everything should go smoothly.
2007-01-28 10:03:36 · answer #2 · answered by sdurio 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm personaly building a trebuchet, and sure, it's not the easiest thing to do, but it's easier than you may think. A trebuchet can be as easy as a rod with a hole drilled through it and a rod going through the hole. Then, drill a hole through two more pieces of wood and put the rod assembly into the holes. Although i have to say, a detailed blueprint, which can be found here:
http://www.ripcord.ws/plans/plans.html
More complicated, but at least it has pictures.
The worst part would be trying to estimate how far the projectile will go, it's far more complicated, and probaly belongs on the physics part to yahoo answers.
2007-01-28 10:02:07 · answer #3 · answered by IHTFP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We built one a couple of years ago in my capstone class. I was amazed at how well it worked. We were able to throw a pumpkin about the distance of a football field.
You'll need a lot of weight if you want to make it pretty big. We used teeth from some kind of an enormous chipper shreader.
The easiest way to start is to look on the internet for design some guidelines. They are everywhere...
Then we built a scale model out of balsam wood and used fishing weights. The scale model could smash a grape against a chalkboard.
We scaled up the design and build the big one out of steel.
2007-01-28 20:10:54 · answer #4 · answered by Robert 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a look at the construction plans on this website. I've included the link below. You're correct that it seems dauntingly complicated. But if the ancients could do it without the advantages of modern technology we have, surely you can give it a go.
Best to you.
2007-01-28 09:59:08 · answer #5 · answered by Timothy W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I LOVe that word... it's SOOOO fun to say
TRAAAA-BUUUUU-SHAAAAAA
ok, got that out of my system.
Link:
http://www.stormthecastle.com/trebuchet/how-to-build-a-trebuchet.htm
2007-01-28 09:59:28 · answer #6 · answered by There you are∫ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why are you building a trebuchet?
2007-01-28 09:58:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.siege-engine.com
http://codesmiths.com/siege/build/
here are two to get you started.
type " seige engine building" into a search you will get some more
2007-01-28 10:03:56 · answer #8 · answered by steven m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well start with a rather large bank account...
2007-01-28 09:58:52 · answer #9 · answered by montgomery 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋