EASY TO MAKE: Catapult / Projectile Launcher

For a detailed schematic drawing, the research behind the catapult design and tips and warnings, visit my website at the link below. If you need help or more information, just ask :)

https://sites.google.com/site/soccerjudo10/home

Grade 11 tech class project:
Design a catapult / projectile launcher which can launch a ball into a bucket at a distance of at least 5 meters. Mine reached 10m (33 feet). Had to fit inside a 12 x 12 x 12 inch box.

This easy to make catapult used corrugated plastic, wooden dowels, 2 plastic syringes, 1 foot of plastic tubing, cardboard and a wooden base.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• catapult
• projectile
• launcher
• easy
• make
• how to make a catapult
• howto
• easy to make

[MsCelebrityCrazy]

how do you know how far it will fly? like is there a way to measure the tension of the elastic bands or something? cuz idk how to know

[soccerjudo10]

@MsCelebrityCrazy For me it was trial and error. I found thin elastics were more powerful (than really thick ones) and that the only limit was set by the strength of your design. If i used to many elastics, the catapult would strain under the weight and break (which it did a few times). Oh and remember to replace your elastics as they wear out, since they tend to loose power at time goes on.

As far as i know, i don't think you can measure the exact energy very easily.

Good Luck :)

[NikeZ3r0]

Tutorial?

[soccerjudo10]

@NikeZ3r0 sorry i don't have a tutorial for this one :/

it's not that difficult to make though. The website in the description gives you schematics, which might help when designing the catapult. I'd recommend experimenting with the design though... it can always be improved :)

[BladeCombat]

That's so awesome!!! when i made my catapult it wouldnt shoot at all. i would appreciate it if u made a tutorial and i think a lot of other people would too.