T R E B U C H E T A Semester-Long Engineering Project By: ANDREW ALTON

Why did I do this? Pent up rage Destroying People/Things Weapons at school Nothing better to do on Mondays and Wednesdays anymore

RESEARCH Only few internet sites w/ worthwhile info “ How-To ” Websites: “ A Treb ” computer variables  data Data-Variables Cool Simulation

The B U I L D Every Monday and Wednesday around 6-9 PM Tools from home THE HOME DEPOT Mr. Dohm reimburses me for the $200 I spent on materials

The Start Used old trebuchet(s) from last semester Used about 40% old materials, 60% new materials Basic plan: Make the old trebuchet into one that works very well and launches a projectile

Components of a Trebuchet Long, very strong “ Arm ” Axles must not bend Should have wheels Counterweight: heavy & compact Sling launches projectile farther Trigger  safety first!

The ARM Holes must be bored perfectly level, so arm is plumb.

Axles Cotter Pins Hold Arm from moving horizontally More cotter pins so axle doesn ’ t come off supports Screwing it together is easier Axle Grease

The Counterweight First tried concrete Then looked all around for weights HOME-DEPOT paving bricks: Cheap & real HEAVY 30 bricks X 5 lbs. ea. =150 lbs.!!

S l i n G No pre-made slings; made it myself Sewing strap- stronger One end of sling string is attached to trebuchet, the other is attached to a metal ring- slips off

Trigger Launch trebuchet from a safe distance Heavy duty construction meant a safe launch About 100 lbs. of force 1. Slip metal ring attached to the arm over the trigger rod. 2. Stick a screwdriver shaft through eyebolts 3. Pull screwdriver out with an attached string

Final Product Arm is strong and efficient Outriggers keep trebuchet from wobbling Swiveling wheels allow easier transportation Center channel guides projectile

Testing First couple tests- trebuchet fell completely apart Next tests with bricks- bricks fell out of counterweight box Added blue tarp on counterweight box to keep bricks in Tried different projectiles: Water Balloons, Concrete Ball, Steel Shot-Put, Then a Large Rock.

Movie Of Trebuchet Trial

Second Movie of Testing

MY FUTURE TREBUCHET Counterweight: 2 X 55 gal. Drums w/ Water = 990 lbs. Perfect for launching Underclassmen, preferably Froshes! Beware! …..