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AlphaTauri wrote:I'm officially in Trajectory this year. I'm excited!

Anyways, if we use a screwdriver with a string attached as the pin to hold the arm in place and our launch mechanism is simply to yank it out, would that be a violation of the rules, specifically the part that says "the triggering device must not pose a danger to anyone due to flying parts or excessive movement outside the launch area"?

Edit: I just noticed the best possible score for Trajectory this year is -200. That's sort of weird.

Our team had the same concern. The release pin was pulled out with the string.

The simple fix; in addition to the string you pull, make another one from the pin and tie it to your device. Make sure you leave enough slack that the pin will pull out (i.e. release properly) but not so much that it will fly around outside the launch area. Since it is part of the "release" mechanism, it can extend outside the box, is not considered part of the device for measurement, and will prevent the danger concerns.

wlsguy wrote:The simple fix; in addition to the string you pull, make another one from the pin and tie it to your device. Make sure you leave enough slack that the pin will pull out (i.e. release properly) but not so much that it will fly around outside the launch area. Since it is part of the "release" mechanism, it can extend outside the box, is not considered part of the device for measurement, and will prevent the danger concerns.

Okay, I'll mention that to the person who's building the catapult. Apparently me and my "official" partner aren't trusted with power tools.

I am building a smaller version of a classic catapult just because it's a school project

For the catapult should i use a cut off water bottle or what to use as the holder

As I am from a Kansas B school, I don't know why I'm helping you, but only use a water bottle as a last resort, IMHO.

well we used a water bottle as a holder and it worked well enough. and does anyone know if its legal 2 use a counter balence

It depends on what you mean by counter-balance. If you're just using weights to stop your catapult from shooting off whenever you fire it, it's fine. If you're using it as a counterweight for a trebuchet, keep in mind that the propelling force has to come from a "non-metallic elastic solid".

For trajectory should i use a square shape or triangular

ncha13 wrote:For trajectory should i use a square shape or triangular

It's a school project, it honestly does not matter.

Also stop asking us every little thing, try coming up with your own ideas. It's a school project for gods sakes.

We had to change Everything!!!! Our calibrations had to be redone, we screwed up on our proportions, and we have SO much work to do!!! PLEASE HELP US!!!!! MY PARTNER IS COMPLETELY USELESS!!!!