What is Trajectory?
A trajectory is the path that a moving object follows through space as a function of time. The object might be a projectile or a satellite, for example. It thus includes the meaning of orbit—the path of a planet, an asteroid or a comet as it travels around a central mass. A trajectory can be described mathematically either by the geometry of the path, or as the position of the object over time.
How can the trajectory of the trebuchet be changed?
-Shorter sling lines allows the arm to swing through a greater arc before the sling can catch up to it, meaning a faster sling rotation around the end of the arm in order to catch up, which results in an earlier release yielding a higher trajectory.
-Longer sling lines mean slower sling rotation and later release and a flatter trajectory.
-A less hooked or straighter prong at the end of the arm yields an earlier release from the prong and a higher trajectory.
-A prong more hooked or forward pointing causes a later release from the prong and a flatter, lower trajectory.
-A heavier projectile, with other factors unchanged, pulls the sling free of the prong sooner and results in an earlier release and higher trajectory.
-A lighter projectile results in a later release from the prong and a flatter, lower trajectory.
What launch angle is needed to get the maximum range out of your catapult and why? Click Here
Projectiles At Different Launch Angles- Click Here
A trajectory is the path that a moving object follows through space as a function of time. The object might be a projectile or a satellite, for example. It thus includes the meaning of orbit—the path of a planet, an asteroid or a comet as it travels around a central mass. A trajectory can be described mathematically either by the geometry of the path, or as the position of the object over time.
How can the trajectory of the trebuchet be changed?
-Shorter sling lines allows the arm to swing through a greater arc before the sling can catch up to it, meaning a faster sling rotation around the end of the arm in order to catch up, which results in an earlier release yielding a higher trajectory.
-Longer sling lines mean slower sling rotation and later release and a flatter trajectory.
-A less hooked or straighter prong at the end of the arm yields an earlier release from the prong and a higher trajectory.
-A prong more hooked or forward pointing causes a later release from the prong and a flatter, lower trajectory.
-A heavier projectile, with other factors unchanged, pulls the sling free of the prong sooner and results in an earlier release and higher trajectory.
-A lighter projectile results in a later release from the prong and a flatter, lower trajectory.
What launch angle is needed to get the maximum range out of your catapult and why? Click Here
Projectiles At Different Launch Angles- Click Here