Trebuchet Problem:  Parameters and Constraints

• Problem:  Design and build a trebuchet that will launch a "pumpkin" as far as possible.  The pumpkin will actually be a spherical hot glue projectile.
• Parameters and Constraints:  Modeled after Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival.
  • Rules are the same as the VTPCF Rules, but with a new weight class.  See website for details.  Here are some highlights...
    • Overall weight of the trebuchet plus counterweights (not including the projectile) may not exceed 0.8 pounds (363 grams)
    • Height reached by any part of the trebuchet (not including sling) during any part of the launch may not exceed 14 inches above the lowest point reached by any part of the trebuchet.
    • Projectile Mass must be at least 0.008 pounds (3.6 grams), and the projectile must float in fresh water [Use one of the provided hot glue projectiles.  You may whittle it down to exactly 3.6g.]
    • Launch distance is measured perpendicularly from a firing line to the projectile's point of first impact.
    • All energy for the launch must be provided by gravitational potential energy stored in the trebuchet.
    • Must be made from scratch -- no kits or premade parts
• Provided Materials:
  • Sticks of softwood (pine or hemlock from 2x4 studs) with approximate dimensions of:
    • 2'x1/2"x1/2"
    • 1'x1/4"x1/4"
  • Hot glue guns and hot glue
  • 1/8" steel rods
  • Various weights:  segments of 1/2" rebar
  • 0.2" plywood (up to one 12"x24" sheet)
• Provided Tools:
  • Drills
  • Scissors
  • Scroll saw
  • High speed camera
  • Vernier video analysis