How a Trebuchet Catapult Works
Step By Step Workings Of a Medieval Trebuchet
How Does a Trebuchet Work?
A trebuchet consists of five basic
parts: the frame, counterweight, beam, sling
and guide chute. The frame supports the other components and provides a
raised platform from which to drop the counterweight. The counterweight,
pulled by gravity alone, rotates the beam. The beam pulls the sling. The
guide chute guides the sling through the frame and supports the enclosed
projectile until acceleration is sufficient to hold it in the sling.The
sling accelerates and holds the projectile until release. |
 How
the Beam
Accelerates the Projectile
One end of the sling is fixed to
the end of the beam, while the other is tied in a loop and slipped over
a release pin extending from the end of the beam. As the beam rotates,
it pulls the sling, with its enclosed projectile, down the guide chute.
As the sling exits the chute, it accelerates in an arc away from the beam,
but because the beam is still pulling the sling behind, the loop is held
on the pin. |
 How
the Sling
Releases the Projectile
The sling continues accelerating
through its arc until it eventually swings ahead of the release pin. At
this point, known as the release
angle, the loop slips off the pin and the sling opens... |
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