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Background
During my freshman year of engineering, I collaborated with a group of classmates to create a lightweight catapult. Our objective as to launch a pumpkin a distance of 15 meters while adhering to a budget of $200.
Design
Design
Instead of making a trebuchet that would easily have meet our distance goal, our team opted to construct a more complex torsion catapult design, which relied on a coiled piece of rope to generate the necessary torsion force for launching the pumpkin. This design not only enabled us to achieve the desired 15 meter distance, but also kept the catapult lightweight and portable.
Building Process
Building Process
As we were only able to dedicate weekends to the project, the construction process spanned two months. We constructed the primary structure out of wood, placing a thick rope around the lower portion of the launch arm which we secured to steel piping on both ends. We then added a ratchet mechanism to the launch arm and a quick-release locking pin for firing.
Results
Results
Unfortunately, during our launch attempt, we were only able to achieve a distance of 10 meters, falling 5 meters short of our intended target. In hindsight, if given the opportunity to do it over, I would have pursued alternative designs as the torsion catapult proved ineffective at transferring force from the rope to the launch arm.
What I Learned
What I Learned
This project offered me insights into the various aspects of the engineering design process, including project management and woodworking skills. I was able to gain hands-on experience working collaboratively with a team, and learned how to balance different perspectives and approaches in order to achieve a common goal. Overall, this experience has proven instrumental in expanding my skill set and preparing me for future engineering projects.
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