Catapult: Rotating Throwing Arm to Reduce Air Resistance?

[kj99]

Would rotating the throwing arm (2cm by 4cm) to its side reduce air resistance due to the smaller surface area? (Imagine a palm vs karate chop scenario).

 

[Simon Bridge]

Yes - is air resistance a significant factor in your design?

 

[kj99]

Yes - is air resistance a significant factor in your design?

Not really for the projectile since it's a standard golf ball but whatever optimizes the speed of the arm is a bonus. However the tighter my springs are the more often they pop off the circle screws and the tightness also dent my pivot arm (thin metal pole).

 

[Drakkith]

May I ask what you're goal for this project is? Are you going for distance? For consistency? Something else?

 

[kj99]

May I ask what you're goal for this project is? Are you going for distance? For consistency? Something else?

Distance gets me a higher mark but if it breaks I won't get a mark at all lol.

 

[kj99]

May I ask what you're goal for this project is? Are you going for distance? For consistency? Something else?

Projectile Analysis:
Distance = 40m
Angle = 45 degrees
Velocity = 19.8m/s
Can I use the projectile velocity to calculate centripetal acceleration?

Other Given:
Radius/length of arm: 40cm
Pull back angle: 60 degrees
Spring length: 15cm
Mass of ball is 46g
Time(ball): 2s
What else can I calculate with this?