High School Simple machines that are used in Weapons

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SUMMARY

Weapons utilize simple machines to enhance their effectiveness, with specific examples including catapults, which employ first-class levers as force multipliers, and mangonel catapults that represent third-class levers. Blades, such as axes and swords, function as wedges and levers, respectively, optimizing force and speed during use. Additionally, slingshots and bows convert stored energy into kinetic energy, while pendulums can be triggered to create significant impact. The discussion also touches on the use of simple machines in historical torture devices, categorizing them as non-defensive weapons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple machines, including levers, wedges, and pendulums.
  • Familiarity with mechanical advantage concepts in physics.
  • Knowledge of historical weaponry and their mechanics.
  • Basic principles of energy conversion in mechanical systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of levers and their applications in weapon design.
  • Explore the physics of energy conversion in slingshots and bows.
  • Investigate the historical context and mechanics of torture devices as weapons.
  • Study the design and functionality of various types of catapults, including their lever classes.
USEFUL FOR

Historians, engineers, weapon designers, and educators interested in the mechanics of simple machines and their applications in weaponry.

Antuntun
Do you know any weapons that use simple machines?
 
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Catapult uses a first class lever as a force multiplier.
 
There are third class catapults as well like the mangonel catapult
 
I would think axes and other blades could be thought of as a wedge.
 
When you swing a sword, you are using a lever as a speed multiplier.

I like to consider a rock (or a ram) as a simple machine -- propel it with a small force through a large distance and have it strike something with a large force through a small distance.
 
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Slingshot - stored energy conversion to kinetic ( bow and arrow too )
Pendulum - like when a tree trunk is suspended by vines ( ropes ) and as one walks by triggering the release for the truck to come swinging down.

A lot of simple machines in the torture chamber of yore to cause pain, suffering and confession. would that be a class of weapon? ie non-defensive.
 

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