The Design of a Torsion Catapult and Its Accuracy
Musa Abbas, Bruk Addis, Levi Anderson-White, Owynn Black, Ahmad West-Bey
Background: When planning for
our catapult, we created accurate
diagrams of physical situations,
recognized patterns, correlations,
causes, and effects in order to
determine relationships between
variables, and framed clear,
meaningful research objectives.
For example, we drew a
schematic design taking influence
(1) from others’ designs prior to
building the catapult. We also
used the trial and error approach
to get our consistency and try to
complete our objective.
Research Objective: The
objective for this catapult was
for it to be consistent at 5
meters.
Materials:
● 6 Wooden 2x4s ($4.48)
● 2 Wooden Dowels ($1.12)
● 1 Wooden 2x6 ($4.33)
● 12 Screws ($0.50)
● 12 Common Nails ($0.50)
● 20ft of Small Rope ($2)
● 2 Hook Screws ($0.50)
● 1 Plain Thin Balso Wood Board
($0.75)
Washington Latin Public Charter School Conclusion:
5200 2nd St NW, Washington DC 20011 ● The objective that we
Original Design and Building Process: originally placed was not
Figure 1: Building the Base
met. We were generally
consistent but not
Figure 2: Original Design consistent enough.
● The catapult was not
consistent or strong enough
to score 30/30.
● We could have done better
using the trial and error
system and in our
preparation.
● On launch day, we made
some tweaks on the firing
Started the original base
for the catapult and mechanism and with the
Figure 2: Mid-Build Figure 3: Completed brought all the materials torsion element.
Acknowledgements &
References:
Data: 26/30
The location and power tools
were provided by both Levi’s and
Musa’s parents. Thanks to them,
we were able to build our catapult.
They were very generous.
Final catapult 1. epicfantasy YouTube Channel.
Almost completed
the catapult, created
design completed, (2009, April 29). "The wyvern" a 3
after all edits and
the actual launch new parts. foot torsion catapult built in 23
mechanism
minutes. YouTube. Retrieved
January 15, 2023, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=vNaj9nWNtl0.