Trebuchet

thingiverse

This project comprises a small trebuchet with an adjustable shooting angle. The structure relies on trusses to increase resistance while minimizing filament usage. Print Settings: Printer Brand: RepRap Printer Model: Marlin Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.2mm Infill: Varies depending on the part; higher infill for counterweights and lower infill for haste to ensure proper functionality Notes: The model was printed at a 600% scale using Slic3r, but can be scaled up or down to create smaller or larger trebuchets. How I Designed This The design was created using Blender. PROJECT: Trebuchet Objectives: This project enables students to observe energy conservation, tangent angles, angular momentum, ballistics, and Newton's laws of motion in action. Audiences: This project is ideal for anyone studying basic physics. Steps: 1. Attach the base to a stable surface. 2. Print two trusses from the file "trelica", which should fit perfectly without needing additional fastening. 3. Print two counterweights, two haste units, one projectile, and various lock components. 4. Assemble the structure by screwing the support to the base and attaching each stem to a counterweight with the hole facing outward. 5. Before assembling both parts, add a weight-bearing component (such as a metal rod) to ensure stability. 6. Place the projectile on top of this structure, ensuring it remains in position. 7. Insert a metal stick through the truss hole and attach the recently assembled structure to the middle section using internal locks on either side. 8. Super Glue the side locks outside the trusses and screw the external locks onto the internal locks, passing one screw through each lock. 9. Place another metal stick between the locks to control the trebuchet's shooting angle. 10. Tighten the screws sufficiently to prevent movement but still allow for adjustments. Results: With these steps completed, you should have a functioning trebuchet. Experiment with different shooting angles and counterweight configurations to observe variations in force magnitude and projectile speed. By adjusting the weight-to-counterweight ratio, you can control the momentum and achieve stronger or weaker shots.