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Project Report

The analysis of Trebuchet Dynamics


Instructors
Prof. Harish P.M

Group Members
Ankita Sharma, 12110010
Ashish Anarse, 12110014
Rahul Garg, 12110070

Department of Mechanical Engineering,


Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar.

Date of Submission: November 28,2014

Abstract
The Lagrange equations are used to write down the equations of motion of a system, with the
help of its kinetic and potential energies expressed in terms of generalized co-ordinates. It can
be applied to solve various problems in dynamics, including the complicated motion of a
trebuchet. The trebuchet is a machine that is used to throw payloads over a large range with
great velocity, utilizing the energy from a potentially declining heavy counterweight.
This work focuses on how Lagrange equations can be used to generate the equations of motion
of a trebuchet, under some assumptions, which can be used to simulate its trajectory in Matlab.
Further, the trebuchet can be optimized for the maximum velocity, under various given
parameters.

1. Theoretical Background
1.1 Lagrange Equations
The Lagrange equations are used to define the trajectory of a system, making use of
independent generalised co-ordinates, which can describe the motion completely, considering
its constraints and degrees of freedom. The kinetic energy of the system can be then calculated
as follows:-

T = Total kinetic energy of system


mi = Mass of each of the sub-component of the system
i = Velocity of each of the subcomponent of the system
Further, we need to compute the total potential energy of the system, which is defined as :-

V = m i g hi +
h = displacement from the considered datum
= Modulus of elasticity
xi = Extension in the component
The Lagrange function can now be defined as :-

L =T - V
The Lagrange equation can be then defined as:-

1
2

= generalized coordinate
= These are those generalized forces that are not derived from a potential function
W = Work done by each of the non-conservative force

1.2 Trebuchet
A trebuchet is a battle machine used in the middle ages to throw heavy payloads at
enemies. The payload could be thrown a far distance and do considerable damage. A
trebuchet works by using the energy of a falling counterweight to launch a projectile (the
payload), using mechanical advantage to achieve a high launch speed. For maximum launch
speed the counterweight must be much heavier than the payload. If we consider the
complete conversion of potential energy of counterweight to the kinetic energy of projectile
on launch, it will give us an ideal maximum for the range that can be achieved.

R = range of projectile
v0 = Launch velocity
= Launch angle
For maximum range, = 450 and by conservation of energy in ideal scenario,
T of projectile =

1
2

2 = M g h = Initial V of counterweight

m= mass of projectile
M = mass of counterweight
h= initial height of the counterweight
Maximum range Rm = 2

To get the maximum range, the ratio of mass of counterweight to that of the projectile needs to
be maximized, for a given height that is constrained by design.
The efficiency can thus be defined as,

02

2. Analysis
2.1 Problem Statement
The model of trebuchet considered is quite close to a realistic one, with the projectile attached
to one end of the beam through a sing and the counterweight attached to the other end
through another rope. The projectile is however kept unconstrained. After taking the described
model, Lagrange equations are used to obtain the trajectory equations which are solved using
Matlab. The range is then calculated, and plotted against M/m, ratio of distance from fulcrum
of projectile to counterweight and the efficiency. The values of trebuchet design are taken as
Launch angle = 45, thetai = 5, thetadoti =0, betai = 5, betadoti =0, alphai = 85, mass of
counterweight = 8, mass of projectile = 0.5kg, mass of beam = 1kg, Max height that
counterweight can fall = 2m.
There are, however a lot of assumptions taken. The entire system is taken to be frictionless and
the resistance due to viscous drag is neglected. The trebuchet is fixed to the ground and the
sling and rope are considered to be massless and inextensible. Bodies are considered to be rigid
with free rotation happening about the pivot.

3. Simulation and Calculations

fig 3.1 The trajectory of projectile

Fig 3.2 Range v/s Ratio of length of Counterweight distance from pivot to projectile distance
from pivot

Fig3.3 Range of projectile v/s M/m

Fig 3.4 Efficiency of trebuchet v/s mass ratio.

4. Results and Discussions


The projectile follows a complicated path before being released, with a launch velocity
of V after which it follows a simple projectile motion, with range = v2 /2g

The range can be maximised with respect to the mass ratio of M/m, that is
counterweight to projectile. The range increases with increasing value of M/m, with
very less change till the ratio is 20, and exponentially, above 25.

The range, however decreases with increasing ratio of length of Counterweight distance
from pivot to projectile distance, making it necessary to have more distance of fulcrum
from projectile, within design constraints.

The efficiency of the trebuchet can be then calculated v/s M/m. This first increases, but
later decreases for the ratio above 40.

5. References
1. Donald B. Siano, Feb. 3, 2006, Trebuchet Mechanics
2. Donald T. Greenwood, Principles of Dynamics
3. www.realworldphysicsproblems.com
4. www.wikipedia.org

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