SOCIAL SCIENCE

PROJECT

SHARON THOMAS

DA VINCI’S

CATAPULT

WHAT IS A CATAPULT ?A catapult is

a ballistic device used to launch a projectile a great distance without the aid

of explosive devices particularly various types

of ancient and medieval siege

engines. Although the catapult has been used

since ancient times, it has proven to be one of the

most effective mechanisms during

warfare. In modern times the term can apply to

devices ranging from a simple hand-held

implement (also called a “slingshot”) to a

mechanism for launching aircraft from a ship.

Types of Catapult1. The Single Arm Catapult

The single arm catapult would use a ratchet system to move the swing arm into place, locking securely with each toothy click so that accidental ejection could be avoided.

2. The Double Arm Catapulta worm gear system winding a very large wheel would be used to gradually set the throwing arm into its final firing position.

Uses Of Catapult• This machine would undoubtedly have wrought

havoc upon any castle/fort it attacked. • It could be reloaded and retightened very quickly.• As with all medieval catapults, the soldiers may

have decided to fire flaming ballistics or even disease-ridden dead bodies into the castle they were attacking – this usually spread either fire or disease very quickly within the walls of the target castle/fort.

Design Drawbacks1. Creating a better, more durable steel leaf

proved challenging due to the need to flex so many large sections of steel into layers.

2. The considerable cost to produce the steel mechanism was too high.

He is famous with his paintings such as Last Supper and Mona Lisa. But Leonardo worked in many areas. He worked as a sculptor, architect, military engineer. He has made anatomical studies with corpses.

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