Summary:
The project was a term end submission for an undergraduate course in Applied Mechanics. Its intention was to apply some of the theoretical concepts learnt in class, and to make a working model using those concepts. The CAD model was created in Creo, and a real-life model was fashioned out of scrap wood obtained from the college wood-working shop.
Creating the main framework of the ballista. The visible slot as seen from top, was for the actuator, in this case a simple string.
When the string is pulled from beneath, the upward flipping motion of the small panel would release the band under tension, from within the slots marked in the frame, on both sides of the movable panel. The potential energy of the elastic band would thus be converted into kinetic energy and transmitted to the arrow, which is propelled forward.
Final CAD model
