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carlos_isaias
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I need some help on building a simple ballista that could launch a golf ball 25 meters away. If you have any ideas of designs please post them. Thanks.
Building a Ballista: 25m Golf Ball Launcher Ideas
- Thread starter carlos_isaias
- Start date
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- Tags
- Projectile
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around designing a mechanical ballista capable of launching a golf ball 25 meters, specifically for a class assignment. Participants explore various design ideas and constraints related to materials and mechanisms.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks design ideas for a ballista that can launch a golf ball 25 meters.
- Another participant suggests considering materials like elastic bands and wood or a mechanized launcher.
- A participant notes that ballistae are similar to large crossbows, implying a traditional design approach.
- Questions arise about whether the project is a private endeavor or a class assignment, with a focus on material and technique restrictions.
- The original poster confirms it is a class assignment with restrictions against using compressed gas, slingshots, and electrical components, emphasizing a purely mechanical design.
- One participant encourages the original poster to develop their own designs for critique and suggests researching existing ballista designs for inspiration.
- Another participant proposes a tennis ball launcher design using two wheels spinning in opposite directions, questioning the definition of "mechanical" and whether it allows for alternative methods like compressed air.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying ideas about potential designs and materials, with no consensus on a specific approach or mechanism. The discussion remains open-ended with multiple competing views on how to achieve the goal.
Contextual Notes
The discussion is limited by the specific restrictions of the assignment, including the prohibition of certain materials and techniques, which may affect the feasibility of proposed designs.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in mechanical design, engineering students, or those working on similar projects involving projectile launchers may find this discussion relevant.