How does the torsion on a catapult work?
The twisted rope is commonly referred to as a torsion bundle. It consists of several lengths of rope with the arm inserted in between them. The rope is then twisted manually on both sides of the arm using levers. Upon release, the torsion bundle rotates the arm at high speed, launching the payload.
What was the purpose of the torsion spring catapult?
With slight adjustments deriving from physicists and engineers such as Philo of Byzantium, Archimedes of Syracuse, Hero of Alexandria, and Vitruvius of Rome, the torsion catapult was able to transition from launching arrows the size of light javelins and handheld stones to projectiles weighing as much as 78 kilograms.
What are the 5 main types of catapults?
There are five historical types of catapults: the mangonel, onager, ballista and trebuchet, using three types of motive force: tension, torsion and gravity.
How do you make a catapult launch higher?
How to Make a Catapult Launch Farther
- Use Bungee Cord Power. Use the tension of bungee cords as opposed to springs to power your catapult.
- Shoot From the Best Angle. Create an arm break that stops the arm at a 45-degree angle from the floor.
- Use a Snug Fit.
- A Sturdy Base Makes a Big Difference.
What kind of rope is used for a catapult?
The power behind this catapult’s arm is a spring made from twisted rope. (The ancients used linen and horsehair, but I found that natural fibers like hemp and sisal, which stretch less than nylon rope, are also excellent for catapults.)
What is the best angle for a catapult?
45-degree angle
A 45-degree angle is the best angle to maximize the efficiency of your catapult. The arm break can be made of the same material that comprises the frame of your catapult.
How did ballista work?
Ballistas were powered by torsion derived from two thick skeins of twisted cords through which were thrust two separate arms joined at their ends by the cord that propelled the missile. The largest ballistas were quite accurate in hurling 60-pound weights up to about 500 yards. Compare catapult.
Who invented the torsion spring catapult?
It is believed that the first torsion-spring catapults were made by Macedonian engineers between 353 and 341 BCE and used afterwards by Philip II in his conquest of Greece. The technology then passed to Philip’s son, Alexander the Great, who used it in his conquest of Persia, the Middle East, Egypt, and India.
What are the parts of a torsion catapult?
Apart from this development, the rest of the torsion catapult remained little altered from its non-torsion predecessor, with a heavy sinew string, slider, winch, ratchet apparatus, and trigger mechanism.
How do catapults work?
When the bowstring was drawn back on a torsion catapult, the force was transferred to the sinew springs which, when the trigger was pulled, made the bow arms spring forward, discharging the missile.
What are extension and torsion springs?
Extension & Torsion Springs (Chapter 10) Extension & Torsion Springs (Chapter 10) Extension Springs Extension springs are similar to compression springs within the body of the spring. To apply tensile loads, hooks are needed at the ends of the springs. Some common hook types: Fig. 10–5 Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design