UofW Engineering students hurl themselves into studies

November 13, 2006

Source: University of Windsor
http://www.uwindsor.ca/units/pac/newsrel.nsf/f8e26b1a592c9edb8525676a0048614a/e040a94e37f54536852572250078c75a!OpenDocument

(WINDSOR, ONTARIO, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2006) – It’s an 800-year-old weapon but it’s challenging second-year Mechanical Engineering students as they plan their strategies for the University of Windsor’s annual Trebuchet Competition, set for Friday, November 17, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the St. Denis Centre.

The annual contest is the brainchild of University of Windsor Professor Bruce Minaker, who wanted to give students an opportunity to use the theoretical knowledge acquired in a Dynamics course for a practical purpose. What better way than to replicate a trebuchet, or medieval throwing machine? Often referred to as a siege engine, the trebuchet has been credited with helping King Edward I gain control of Scotland during the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

"What I’m hoping is that students get experience with the principles that they’ve learned in class,"said Dr. Minaker, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive, & Materials Engineering. "I want them to be able to grasp concepts of work and energy, and strength of materials, so they can use those principles in optimizing something they build; practical engineering."

Students must construct a machine entirely from popsicle sticks, glue and string, and use it to throw a squash ball as far as it will go. The entire trebuchet structure must weigh less than two kg including the pennies used as counterweights. As structures become more lightweight and efficient, the counterweight can be heavier, and propel the ball farther. Minaker said he is hopeful this year’s team will break the contest’s 30 m. record.

"The project grade depends on the throw distance," Minaker said. "But it’s all relative, so they are quite competitive and secretive about their designs."- 30 -

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