Trebuchet Launch case

⭐ Situation + Task

As a team, we were tasked with analyzing a model trebuchet to determine the required counterweight mass to launch a clay projectile. The goal was to apply rigid body dynamics principles using both Newton's Laws and the energy method.

⚙️ Action

• Made appropiate assumptions for the problem, to translate the verbal expression into engineering demands.

• Contributed to deriving equations using both Newton’s 2nd Law and the work-energy method, accounting for rotational and translational motion.

• Collaboratively built free body diagrams (FBDs) and kinematic diagrams (KDs) for the system’s swing arm, counterweight, and sling.

• Personally wrote and applied the equation for total mechanical energy conservation, using defined physical parameters (mass, geometry, moment of inertia) to solve for unknown forces and motion.

• Helped present the final analysis through a team video, explaining system assumptions and step-by-step calculations.

📈 Result

• Accurately calculated the minimum required counterweight mass and explained the full dynamic behavior of the trebuchet.

• Strengthened skills in applying physics equations to real-world mechanisms, and practiced clear technical communication.