The theoretical range that we calculated for our trebuchet is 515m (using the formula- range=2(height of drop)(mass of counterweight/mass of payload). Our actual distance was nowhere near this and came in at an average of only 37.34m with our farthest hurl coming in at 43m. Some factors that might have kept our trebuchet from performing as well as theory suggests would wind, friction, air resistance, non-perfect angle of release and having a less than perfectly stable base. The wind was constantly a factor as it was always gusting from different directions as we were shooting. The friction where our arm rotates in the axle also would have slowed it down as in theory there would not be any friction. The air resistance on the ball would have slowed it down dramatically and was not accounted for in the theory. We also had a less than perfect angle of release and unstable base, both of which would take away power that could have otherwise been transmitted to the ball in a perfect flight arc.
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