What physics are involved behind catapults?

Question

so what are they? The tension energy is a factor, but what else?
Thanks.

Answer 1

Well you have tension. You have the standard equations for projectiles (In 3-D if its a real world application..). Also keep in mind friction within the catapult and air resistance.

also, if its the kind of catapult Im thinking about, you have to take into consideration angular momentum, torque, and all the other goodies that go along with angular movement since the arm of the catapult moves in a circular pattern.

Answer 2

Physics Behind A Catapult

Answer 3

A catapult stores energy as elastic tension in the ropes. I suppose the arm is a lever (negative mechanical advantage). Converts a huge force over a small distance into a smaller force over a big one.

A trebuchet (which is cooler and more effective than a catapult) works pretty much the same but uses gravitational potential (dropping a weight) rather than elastic potential (unraveling the skeins of rope) to toss the projectile.

Then after the throw, you have the whole projectile motion in a gravitational field thing going on.

Lots of physics involved at every step.

Answer 4

tension isnt a factor in catapults that would be a balista. catapults are purely counterforce and slingshot effect. gravity pulls the counterweight down moving the fulcrum propelling the sling which allows the payload to be released at maximum efficiency.

Answer 5

A catapult is a class-3 lever. It also involves torque and tension.

Answer 6

Work can be done on the catapult quite slowly, when the elastic is slowly stretched. This provides a store of elastic potential energy, which can be expended quite quickly in accelerating the stone of ball to a reasonably high speed. Ex.= Velocity equals distance divided by time (V=d/t)

Answer 7

Leverage, used to apply more launch velocity with a given tension energy.

Also gravitational acceleration, used to calculate trajectory for maximum effectiveness, depending on the specific target you are trying to hit.

Answer 8

1) Changing potential (stored) energy into kinetic energy.
and
2) The change is to store this energy with low force through a long distance and then transfer it to a shorter distance and higher velocity. Conservation of momentum.