Trebuchet, what to look for?

[Marghk]

Homework Statement

I've been asked to complete a report on an ancient weapon (Trebuchet chosen) for a final year paper. Basically its to be structured like this:

- An introduction including a brief history of the ancient weapon i.e where it was used, why etc.
- An explanation of the general physics used in the analysis of the weapon including formulae
- A detailed description of the parts of the weapon and how they work together from a physics point of view including referenced diagrams
- Some worked mathermatical and descriptive examples to its use for analysis
- A conclusion summarising your anaylsis of your chosen weapon.


Now, while I have the topic and structure of it set down I'm still searching for more ways that I can explain how a trebuchet works using physics.

Homework Equations

I've done equations for the following things: Angular velocity, GPE, KE, Acceleration, Gravity, Projectile Motion, Force, Velocity, Centripetal Force, Centripetal Acceleration.

I also talk about the following: Friction, Mass, Wind Resistance, Vertical/Horizontal Velocity, Vertical/Horizontal Displacement, Weights etc.

I know this isn't very advanced seeing how I'm in a final year high school physics class, but I'm really trying to separate myself from the pack. I just need to find more things to talk about.

 

[Mindscrape]

I think the best thing to do to separate yourself from the pack is do the overview of how it works -- KE, GPE, Forces, and other such basics -- and then go into one specific part of optimizing the apparatus. For example, if you wanted to talk about wind resistance and drag coefficients, you could talk about how more massive objects enter into the nonlinear regime and the trade-off of having a less massive object as opposed to a more massive one (can't destroy castle walls as well).

 

[m2003]

I find your topic on the trebuchet to be very interesting. To fully understand how a trebuchet works, it is important to consider the principles of physics involved. Some additional concepts that you can explore and discuss in your report are energy conservation and efficiency.

Firstly, the trebuchet converts potential energy into kinetic energy to launch a projectile. This conversion relies on the conservation of energy principle, where the total energy of the system remains constant. You can discuss how this principle is applied in the trebuchet's design and operation.

Secondly, the efficiency of a trebuchet is an important factor to consider. This refers to how much of the potential energy is actually transferred to the projectile. Factors such as friction, air resistance, and the weight of the projectile can affect the efficiency of a trebuchet. You can discuss how these factors can be minimized or optimized to improve the trebuchet's performance.

Additionally, you can also explore the role of the center of mass in a trebuchet's stability and accuracy. The position of the center of mass affects the trebuchet's balance and determines its ability to accurately launch a projectile. You can discuss how the trebuchet's design takes into account the concept of center of mass.

Furthermore, you can also discuss the role of materials and their properties in the construction of a trebuchet. The choice of materials, such as the type of wood, rope, and counterweight, can affect the trebuchet's strength, durability, and overall performance.

In conclusion, there are many interesting and relevant physics concepts that can be explored in the analysis of a trebuchet. By delving deeper into these concepts and providing examples and calculations, you can provide a more comprehensive understanding of how a trebuchet works and differentiate your report from others. Good luck with your paper!