dior_addict Posted October 5, 2002 Share Posted October 5, 2002 i have to build a catapult over the weekend, and i don't know where to start. Can anyone give me links so catapult resource sites? Like, sites that have catapult designs, in which i can build? And preferably, a catapult which won't cost too much to build. Plz? thanks.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neowin_hipster Posted October 5, 2002 Share Posted October 5, 2002 I'm an engineering student so i could probably give you pointers. -what level of physics are you at? I would really recommend doing some simple newtonian calculations like trajectories, force, acceleration, velocity, mass, energy, or whatever you need to get the object flying. If you don't know how to calculate any of those then taking a ruler and flinging an eraser is probalby good enough :p (seriously, something simple like that may work) like take a large piece of bendable plastic and stick it to something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dior_addict Posted October 5, 2002 Author Share Posted October 5, 2002 umm, i'm taking physics H. the one offered in high school. And i would do sumthing simple, but it has to launch a golf ball, and i sort of want to win the "farthest golfball launched" position.:ninja: Originally posted by Goalie_CAI'm an engineering student so i could probably give you pointers. -what level of physics are you at? I would really recommend doing some simple newtonian calculations like trajectories, force, acceleration, velocity, mass, energy, or whatever you need to get the object flying. If you don't know how to calculate any of those then taking a ruler and flinging an eraser is probalby good enough :p (seriously, something simple like that may work) like take a large piece of bendable plastic and stick it to something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neowin_hipster Posted October 5, 2002 Share Posted October 5, 2002 disclaimer: i'm in engineering but "modern", basically anything high-tech, engineering and only 1st year. A nice long piece of stiff but bendable platic shoud do the trick. the launcher is up to you. perhaps a cup or something. with grade 10 math and grade 11 physics knowledge you should be able to do some math to figure out the optimal angle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hypercube Posted October 5, 2002 Share Posted October 5, 2002 I'd play around with the length and angle just to ensure the longest distance. Try 45 degree angles :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john smith 1924 Veteran Posted October 5, 2002 Veteran Share Posted October 5, 2002 big elastic band. piece of wood, and a piece of wood coming of that inital piece of wood -to hold the golf ball. ( ) - ball - support / arm_______________________________[/PHP] im sure you can figure something out from that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neowin_hipster Posted October 5, 2002 Share Posted October 5, 2002 Wouldn't that make it a slingshot and not a catapult. I think the best angle would be something more like 50 to 55 degrees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hypercube Posted October 5, 2002 Share Posted October 5, 2002 Originally posted by Goalie_CA Wouldn't that make it a slingshot and not a catapult. I think the best angle would be something more like 50 to 55 degrees. In theory, the projectile trajectory is best at 45 Degrees. Look it up in your books. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hummer Posted October 5, 2002 Share Posted October 5, 2002 Originally posted by Hypercube In theory, the projectile trajectory is best at 45 Degrees. Look it up in your books. :) you're right it is 45 degrees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dior_addict Posted October 5, 2002 Author Share Posted October 5, 2002 hey, thanks for the info.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neowin_hipster Posted October 5, 2002 Share Posted October 5, 2002 I just calculated it, with no friction, and simple vectors to be 50 degrees. I might have made a silly error but i think its right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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