i need an expert

hopeless_in_science · Post by **hopeless_in_science** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:08 pm

I am doing my research for a science fair project and my teacher requires that I talk to an expert. Its on catapults and I wanted to see if it wont go as far in different conditions like weather, and different types of catapults

deleted-71588 · Post by **deleted-71588** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:07 pm

Ok. How old are you? What is your initial hypothsis? What is the "it" that you are thinking about catapulting? Catapults by their vary nature can be dangerous and different types have different dangers. Scientifically meaningful comparisions between different types might be difficult and involve a lot of physics. Have you done any reading? Who do you have that can help you be safe?

deleted-71576 · Post by **deleted-71576** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:46 am

Also, there are many types of medieval siege engines (catapults, trebuchets, etc.)

My son in middle school built a trebuchet and won his science fair. There was another trebuchet and a catapult at the county level, so the project was done by a few people.

If built to a small scale (no more than 12" - 24" tall), they shouldn't be able to develop enough force to do damage. You do need to enforce certain safety measures regarding light projectiles, and never, EVER, stepping in front of it. Consider it to be the same as a gun. Never point it at anyone, and never step in front of it. I made my son wear goggles.

It was a very fun project for him.

Please don't build one the size of a house. Full scale ones led to the conquering of castles. They can be that powerful. I have video of a trebuchet throwing a flaming piano.

Do a google/wikipedia search on "Medieval Siege Engines" or "Catapults" or "Trebuchets" or "ballista" or "onager" to name a few.

Here's a wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_engine