Trebuchet Competition

 

The Basics:

 

          Design and build a Trebuchet to launch an egg.

 

Design Rules:

 

  1. The Trebuchet Competition is open to all high school drafting classes.
  2. Any number of students may work as a team on an entry. Only one entry per student or team is permitted. There is no school limit on the number of entries.
  3. The throwing arm cannot exceed 48 inches in length. The completed trebuchet can have a maximum base size of 48” square and the frame support for the throwing arm is to be a maximum of 24” above the base. (See the attached drawing). This is not a catapult competition. That means that no springs, rubber-bands, pulleys or any other energy storing device can be used. Only a counterweight can be used to propel the projectile.
  4. The energy source can be attached solidly to the pivot arm or it can swing from the arm. The counterweight must not fall off or become disconnected during the launch. The counterweight cannot exceed 50 pounds. Each trebuchet must pass a safety test demonstrating that parts will not fly off during the launch. There must be a trigger mechanism that can be activated from behind the trebuchet.
  5. This must be a true trebuchet with a falling mass as an energy source and a sling that does the launching.
  6. The device must be secured to the ground and cannot be moved once it is ready to begin launching. All participants must be behind the device and will have a trigger device that is clear of the arm and the sling.

 

The Competition:

 

  1. The first competition will be for distance. From a starting line each entry will launch 2 Grade A large eggs onto a designated field. There will be a 50’ wide area that each egg launched must fall inside of. If the egg goes outside this area, that launch will not count for the team. The longest distance of the 2 attempts will be recorded. Points will be awarded based on standings.
  2. The second competition will be for accuracy. From the starting line, each entry will launch 2 Grade A large eggs to a target. The launch team will select the location of their target. This distance will remain the same for both launches. There will be a 20’ minimum distance from the starting line to the target. The target will be a 6 foot diameter ring. The team with the best accuracy wins. In the event of a tie, additional launches will be made.
  3. Each team will have 2 practice eggs, 1 for distance and 1 for accuracy. Teams should establish ahead of time the range of their trebuchet. Adjustments can be made prior to launches. All practice shots will be made prior to their turn at the starting line.
  4. Judges will inspect each entry for safety prior to each launch. Judges will be located at the starting line and at the target.

 

 

The Goals of This Competition:

 

The major goal is for students to learn about the history of trebuchets through their research, to experience the design/build process, to test and adjust their model and to enjoy the competition with others.