![]() This is the heart of trebuchet physics and is the reason a trebuchet has such great launching power. This results in a large increase in linear velocity of the payload which far exceeds that of the end of the beam to which the sling is attached. The figure below illustrates the trebuchet at the release point.Īs the beam rotates clockwise (due to the falling counterweight), the payload experiences centripetal acceleration which causes it to move outwards (since it is unrestrained). For a smaller δ the release angle α decreases. For a greater δ the release angle α increases. The release angle α can be adjusted by changing the finger angle δ. At this point the ring (which is connected to the sling and loops around the finger for support) slips off and the payload is launched. The sling releases when a certain angle α is reached. However, increasing the mass of the counterweight beyond a certain point will not help, since the limiting speed of the falling counterweight is free-fall speed. However, because the counterweight pivots around a much shorter distance, its weight must be much greater than the weight of the payload, to get a high launch velocity. This is the principle of mechanical advantage, and is what allows the payload to reach a high launch velocity. The advantage of this is that the payload end of the beam reaches a much higher linear velocity than the counterweight end of the beam. The beginning of the launch is illustrated in the figure below.Īs you can see, the counterweight pivots around a much shorter distance than the payload end. This will be discussed in more detail in the analysis section. In some designs a guide chute is used to guide the sling along and support the payload until the speed is great enough to hold it in the pouch alone. Therefore, one must analyze trebuchet physics in full in order to make accurate predictions. The motion of a trebuchet during launch can become fairly complicated, and cannot be fully understood using intuition alone. For maximum launch speed the counterweight must be much heavier than the payload, since this means that it will "fall" quickly. The trebuchet was preferred over a catapult due to its greater range capability and greater accuracy.Ī trebuchet works by using the energy of a falling (and hinged) counterweight to launch a projectile (the payload), using mechanical advantage to achieve a high launch speed. ![]() The payload could be thrown a far distance and do considerable damage, either by smashing down walls or striking the enemy while inside their stronghold. Trebuchet Physics – How A Trebuchet WorksĪ trebuchet is a battle machine used in the middle ages to throw heavy payloads at enemies.
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