Post on 27-Dec-2015
Definition
A machine that converts POTENTIAL ENERGY into mechanical motion or KINETIC ENERGY”
Comes from the Greek word “Katapultos,” meaning “shield crusher”
AKA: Siege Engine or Siege Machine
The Invention
The catapult, as we would recognize it today, was invented by the Greeks about 399 BC but various forms were found in central Asia much earlier than that
During the war with Carthage, Dionysius of Syracuse produced the Gastraphetes or “belly bow” catapult
The Invention continued…
By 330 BC two distinct types of catapults emerged
One fired javelins (spears) called a Euthytonon
The other was the stone throwing Palintonon
How was it used in Medieval times?
First we need to understand the society of the Middle Ages
Fear was rampant (AKA: Dark Ages) There was huge disparity between the
rich and poor (Feudalism) Castles were constructed to protect
nobles (& peasants but only during crisis)
Catapult AKA Siege Machine or Siege Engine
What is a siege? One army surrounds an enemy,
keeping help, goods and water from leaving or entering the castle
Medieval warfare
Infantry (usually the poor) Archers (trained/ paid military) Battering Ram Psychological warfare Flaming shrubbery and brushDead, diseased bodies Heads of tortured victims
A typical catapult has each of the following:
Arm Base Elastic Force Fulcrum
Catapult Structure & Design
Most catapults were made of wood The elastic force provided by twisted
rope, springs, saplings The fulcrum is the point of support
for a lever- which in the case of a catapult is the arm
Factors Affecting Distance
Mass of object being hurled Strength & flexibility of arm Mass of arm Length of the arm How far the arm is pulled back Angle of base or release (best angle?) Small transfer of energy into distortion
Trebuchet
French meaning “to stumble” Used a sling with the arm Extremely accurate Most advanced of all catapults