Storm the Castle B

[starpug]

You know, that that depends of projectile and counterweight

[Bubba1960]

Im probly going to make a floating arm, but I dont know what the recomended type of wood is. Any ideas or does it not matter?

[AlphaTauri]

Generally, I would say lighter wood is better, because it decreases the mass of the arm that the counterweight has to move to initiate launch (and, as an added bonus, it makes it easier for whoever has to carry the trebuchet around).

[brobo]

Generally, I would say lighter wood is better, because it decreases the mass of the arm that the counterweight has to move to initiate launch (and, as an added bonus, it makes it easier for whoever has to carry the trebuchet around).

I would use light wood for the body, but wouldn't heavy wood be better? , right?

[starpug]

Generally, I would say lighter wood is better, because it decreases the mass of the arm that the counterweight has to move to initiate launch (and, as an added bonus, it makes it easier for whoever has to carry the trebuchet around).

I would use light wood for the body, but wouldn't heavy wood be better? , right?

Except you loose acceleration for that mass.

[GoNerdHerd]

I have heard on here that traditional trebuchets are fine as long as they throw distances similar to FAT's. Is this true or false?

[starpug]

I have heard on here that traditional trebuchets are fine as long as they throw distances similar to FAT's. Is this true or false?

Distance is the goal of the event, so I would have to say true.

[rooroo17]

Every time we try our buleprints, they never work. We are using balsa wood and latex rubber bands. We dont understand but it keeps plunging into the ground. We have a hypothesis that maybe the handle is too flimsy, but after making adjustment hundreds of times, it doesn't help. Any ideas anyone

[wlsguy]

Every time we try our buleprints, they never work. We are using balsa wood and latex rubber bands. We dont understand but it keeps plunging into the ground. We have a hypothesis that maybe the handle is too flimsy, but after making adjustment hundreds of times, it doesn't help. Any ideas anyone

What are the rubber bands for?
Trajectory used rubber bands last year but this year you should be using a counterweight.

In general, Balsa wood is too weak to support the load. In some cases it can be used but the balance point between a broken throwing arm and a consistant arm is too close for my comfort.
Try switching to a heavier arm and see if it improves. Once it is working, try to reduce from there.

[brobo]

Every time we try our buleprints, they never work. We are using balsa wood and latex rubber bands. We dont understand but it keeps plunging into the ground. We have a hypothesis that maybe the handle is too flimsy, but after making adjustment hundreds of times, it doesn't help. Any ideas anyone

Woah, you're using rubber bands??? I hope I don't come off sounding rude or anything, but that will get you disqualified very very quickly. You can't use anything like that! It clearly states in the rules that the only form of energy can be the potential energy coming from the counterweight.