Eccentric rotation of a trebuchet arm

Spinnor

Consider the equilibrium configuration of your design when you let it go, it will be significantly less then vertical. The arm will only move about 45 degrees, 90 degrees for the other design. The large mass moves less vertically so your projectile has less energy.

Spinnor	Eccentric rotation of a trebuchet arm Consider the equilibrium configuration of your design when you let it go, it will be significantly less then vertical. The arm will only move about 45 degrees, 90 degrees for the other design. The large mass moves less vertically so your projectile has less energy.