Fall 2012: Project 1: Catapult





Objective: Construct a machine that throws a small rubber ball as far as possible. The machine that throws the ball the farthest wins.

Materials:
    Popsicle sticks
    wood dowel
    foam core board
    thin wire
    rubber bands
    hot glue
    tape
    metal ballast
    paper
    manila folder
    hanging Folder
    paper clips
    cotton string
    Arduino kit

Rules:
    1. The machine must be stationary.
    2. The machine must operate without human aid – only the pushbutton and potentiometer may be touched in order to launch the ball.
    3. The machine should be able to re-load and launch a second ball without the need of human aid other than touching the pushbutton or potentiometer.


 

Here is one of the catapult kits (the potentiometers have not arrived yet):


The Arduino catapult competition was held on Friday, November 16. There were four working catapults, but all four violated the rules in some way.

Fourth Place: 7' 10.5"


Third Place: 9' 11"



Second Place: 12' 5.5"


First Place: 12' 8.5" (the ramp was damaged after testing)

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