Trebuchet Design and Fabrication
A steel trebuchet prototype connects motion equations, Python projectile simulation, CAD, dynamic modeling, and workshop machining.
- Institution
- Arts et Metiers / MSMP laboratory
- Team
- Maxime Hache, Francois Bitaud, Etienne Carre, Malek Khalfaoui, Clement Vallee
- Mechanical Design
- CAD
- Mechanisms
- Prototyping
- Test & Validation
- Simulation
- Dynamics
Overview
The report covers functional requirements, material selection, equations of motion, Python projectile simulation, CAD design, dynamic simulation, and machining steps.
Challenge
The team needed to understand the historical mechanism while designing a buildable prototype with low-friction pivots and available workshop resources.
Process
The design uses a main pivoting arm, counterweight, secondary projectile arm, and a release concept based on projectile motion.
Engineering Details
Python, 3DEXPERIENCE/CAD, dynamic simulation, steel machining, lathe, milling, drilling, and projectile-motion calculations.
Implementation
The source report documents fabricated parts including the arm, axes, counterweight linkage, and frame elements.
Testing
Simulation selected release conditions and reported a projectile speed of 7.526 m/s in the documented dynamic model.
Outcomes
The project connects idealized mechanics with workshop realities: fits, lubrication, machining sequence, and assembly constraints shape final performance.
Add measured launch data, repeatability tests, and a comparison between simulated and physical trajectories.
Gallery
