Data Statements
We concluded though our original data that there was a positive correlation between the falling mass and the resulting range. We extracted this data from a floating arm trebuchet launching without air resistance, wind correction angles, etc. in multiple simulations
We found that energy efficiency peaked at a -45 degree spike angle and a 27.4-degree launch angle. This did not correspond with our hypothesis. With higher energy efficiency, more energy will be conserved and not lost to heat. This will maximize velocity and hang time
Method Statements
Material Statements
In this lab, we looked to use our knowledge/understanding of physics to construct a floating arm trebuchet that can launch an object (in our case the object was a bocce ball) forward. First in our lab, of course, we made a plan. This plan includes a timeline represented by a Gantt chart (posted under the team leader page) and a procedure that is listed on every team's page. By utilizing a timeline and procedure, each group could synergize within each group and with other groups as well. At first, our class had a really hard time synergizing because each person wanted to do their own thing regardless of the plan (some people did not even synergize at all until the last moment). Secondly, we gathered all the materials needed (eight 8'x2"x4" boards, 1 sheet of plywood, 5/8" threaded rod, twenty-five 3.5" 1/4 bolts, twenty-five 1/4 wing nuts, two 8" Rubber wheels and 5/8" Axel, four 25 pound plates, 25 2.5" wood screws, drill, impact driver, table saw, clamps, glue, gloves, eye safety goggles, sandpaper, hacksaw, and 90 degree angler). This did not take long. Next, we started building the base of the trebuchet, and, without the synergy, this was a very slow undertaking. We ran into multiple problems such as not having the right length of wood or trouble sawing or poor communication. This could be easily fixed in that communication is everything. With great communication, the right lengths of wood would easily be cut. After assembling the base we assembled the track, arm, and drop channels. At this point, we were running smoothly with most people in the class doing what needs to be done. After making the drop channel, we made some tweaks to the design allowing for the PVC pipe to fit perfectly. Next, we assembled the PVC pipe so that it could fit the weight plates on it (we added a larger PVC to act as a cover for the actual pvc and washers as well all also to keep the weights on). Then we created a release mechanism which was basically a block of wood holding the arm with a rope attached to it to pull the block out and release the arm. On the arm, we later added a small about 4-inch metal pole and had a wood cap on it to put the rope connected to the sling. This cap would fly off the pole and the rope connected to the sling would come off so that the sling would fall apart and release the bocce ball. Now that we were all set, it was time to test the trebuchet.
On the launch day, we carried the trebuchet outside to the practice soccer/football fields to get ready and launch the bocce ball. On this day, we had three outcomes occur. The trebuchet released the ball back when we lengthened the sling rope, forward when the sling rope was at its original length, and straight up when the sling rope was shortened. We made the tweaks to the original because we wanted the trebuchet to launch the ball farther. However, that failed. One reason this might be the case is that the staples holding the sling together were falling off, and most fell or slipped out of the sling after the first throw. We did not have another stapler on the field so this probably skewed the results. In the end, we ended up putting the ball into one of the gloves we brought which was very grippy (made out of rubber and there were lines of rubber sort of similar to a fingerprint pattern on the glove) the ball launched pretty far (not as far as the first launch). Air resistance of the glove we placed the ball into probably played into the launch as it was also a pretty windy day. Another factor that could have affected the launch was that the washer on the PVC holding the weights went into and down the drop channel wood, cutting the wood. This definitely slowed the arm and that affects the acceleration of the arm and also our bocce ball. Other than the sling, our trebuchet held up very well and was very sturdy throughout the launch and we really had no problems other than the sling, the washer, the synergy, the strong wind, and the lengths of the wood.
In conclusion, this undertaking was a success. We built a trebuchet that was able to launch an object forward using our knowledge of physics and although we may have had a rough start in the synergy or communication area, we pulled it all together and in the end, this project would not have been possible without everyone's cooperation.