Check out these trebuchets that people built and see how they compare to the simulation results on
VirtualTrebuchet.
1:35 scale model of large trebuchet i made... Optimalizations of arm, counterweight and sling made using this simulator.
The maximum achieved range was 12 m with 10 g stone, but in simulation I used 13 g, because the netted bijoux chain sling itself weighs 3 g. Sewing thread was not pliable enough for the pouch and... Well chain is rather heavy, but pliable and looks cool:-D
Tried to make all parts as much realistic as possible and working. Made from oak wood, iron, sewing pins, linen thread and bijoux chain.
Actual distance
39.4 feet
12 meters
Simulated distance
49.9 feet
15.2 meters
VirtualTrebuchet overestimated the actual distance by 26.7%.
Both of my two older kids are in high school physics and I decided that we needed real work application of concepts. So we built a 10’ throwing arm trebuchet. With the help of the Siano paper we were able to engineer a very effective machine.
Actual distance
300 feet
91.4 meters
Simulated distance
316.6 feet
96.5 meters
VirtualTrebuchet overestimated the actual distance by 5.5%.
This website was one of the best things that helped with my trebuchet. I had built a trebuchet but without the help of this website, it probably would have turned out horrible. Thanks to whoever the designer of this website may be.
Actual distance
100 feet
30.5 meters
Simulated distance
71.5 feet
21.8 meters
VirtualTrebuchet underestimated the actual distance by 28.5%.
Medium sized trebuchet w/ ~300lb counterweight launching gourds. I optimized some of the dimensions using this site, and I was happy to see that we were able to get relatively accurate results when we were doing some test firing.
Actual distance
112 feet
34.1 meters
Simulated distance
120.1 feet
36.6 meters
VirtualTrebuchet overestimated the actual distance by 7.2%.