The Algorithmic Beauty of the Trebuchet
lagrangederivations.nb A
Mathematica Notebook with the derivations for all of the equations
required for input to the MacTreb* and WinTrebstar
applications.
To use it copy the notebook to the clipboard, then open mathematica,
then open a new notebook, and paste the clipboard in.
This is for the record and the posterity of mankind: the complete
derivations for the second derivatives of the angles for use with a
numerical differential equation solver. But don't bother with this
unless you have Mathematica or MathReader. (63 k)
The Numerical Method
Here are the basic formulas I use to solve the differential equations:
Eat your heart out wintreb!
A trebuchet calculatorbased on the
mathematica expressions, translated into javascript for the
unconstrained (no sliding) trebuchet that has a sling and a hinged
counterweight. Similar in spirit to wintreb, but is platform
independent (sorta) and all the assumptions and methods are available
for study and improvement. Use this if you are interested in designing
a treb of your own. Or in understanding one you've already built!
An animated treb. Hit the button.
Some other informative graphical
representations of the movement of parts of the trebuchet.
A Monte Carlo optimization program. Here is the Fortran program listing and
output for the unconstrained treb with a sling and a hinged
counterweight. Very fast. Allows the exploration of thousands of
designs in a matter of minutes.
Go Back
