For the beginning of the catapult project in art and math, we began by creating numerous prototypes. We unfortunately used a lot of the former prototype parts to create the final prototype. Our main catapult concept is the ballista, commonly known as a slingshot.
However, during our second planning stage we decided to go with the more structurally sound and less complex Trebuchet catapult. We haven't created a prototype for that catapult yet. The process for this thinking was that we wanted to have a simple catapult that would shoot a baseball far. We decided on using a trebuchet catapult after researching other types of catapults.
After we decided on a final catapult design (the mangonel) we began to draw final prototypes. This image above is what we expect our catapult to look like including measurements. This design includes a shooting hand, and a release clasp. We plan to make this clasp by using an old door hinge and a hole with a wooden peg. The catapult mechanism is created with bungee cords.
In my opinion I think our catapult turned out very well. We had some setbacks, but I don't think it effected our overall success in the project. I think our group worked very well together and we were able to create a very sturdy and effective catapult. One thing I would improve on is the angle we shot our projectile at. We initially shot at a 90 degree angle, but we found that was too far and we would benefit from a lower angle. We settled on a 130 degree angle, and this produced our optimum shot length.