Trebuchet Research Paper

The trebuchet is a type of siege engine originating in China sometime before the fourth century and used primarily during battle throughout the middle ages. This large artillery weapon worked by launching projectiles great distances to destroy walls to rubble or to throw diseased corpses over castle wall. One of the first documented use of a trebuchet was a traction trebuchet used at the Battle of Caishi in 1161, where trebuchets operated by the Song Dynasty fired bombs composed of lime and sulfur at the ships belonging to the Jin Dynasty navy during the Jin- Song wars. The traction trebuchets were also frequently used by the Islamic armies during the Muslim conquests in the seventh century.

In around 965, the hand trebuchet was used by emperor Nikephoros
The counterweight trebuchet was extremely effective however it was subject to a great deal of stress during operation leading to a shortened life cycle. In order to resolve this problem, the counterweight was placed upon a hinge. This allowed it to swing as it reached the bottom of its fall, consequently reducing the stress placed upon the frame and throwing arm. This redesign not only improved the life span of the device, but also increased the total distance traveled. By increasing the distance covered, engineers were able to also increase the rotational speed of the lever arm, thus increasing the launch speed and force of the projectile.

Our Trebuchet
The trebuchet we made is a fixed counterweight trebuchet. We chose to create this type because it was the newest and thus the most innovative type. Its style and build is simple while still being more effective then the types of trebuchets that came before it. We also chose it because it was the most common type used throughout history because of its optimal design which launches the projectile the farthest horizontal distance, and allows us as builders to magnify our trebuchets power and