The Roman empire's onager catapult used torsion—twisting an object, in this case a restraining rope or spring, by applying torque—to build tension in the arm and generate a powerful swing.

Make it too long and the projectile will bounce on the ground just in front of the catapult. Make it too short and the projectile could go backward! 17.

But even with a good trigger, hurling the ammo properly can be tricky – something you learn early on when figuring out how to build a catapult. Let go too early, and it shoots straight up.

With a dozen wooden dowels, some rubber bands, a cup or spoon, and ping-pong balls, you can build a DIY catapult for tabletop warfare.

The catapult mechanism, also known as a lever, was, and still is, used to lift and move objects. If you have ever tossed a ball or played on a seesaw you have experienced the power of a lever.

Build a fun catapult using an Altoids tin with this guide. More for You. Here is how California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to address a $12 billion budget shortfall.

The catapult you are about to make uses elastic potential energy stored in a wooden stick as you bend it. When you let go, this stored energy is released, ...