One reason that this article is associated with structures is because it discusses medieval castles in a section. It talks about how medieval castles could or could not handle the trebuchet’s power and how they were designed in order to optimize defenses against advancing enemy forces. It also talked about adjustments and upgrades to the castles that needed to be made in order to cope with the continually advancing trebuchets. These upgrades included thicker walls, outer walls that protected the inner main walls, and ramparts. The building and evolving of the trebuchets was also something that engineers were needed for. The bigger these structures got, the more the engineers were needed. The slides built on the back of them are a good example of this. The canvas pouch would either drag along the ground and decrease range or they would dig a trench for it. But if the trebuchet would need to be moved then a new trench would need to be dug. But the engineers found a way to decrease the friction of the dragging pouch, and increase efficiency by creating a slide for the pouch to rest and slide in.
You have written your blog in a well orderly manner. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is true that as there were advances in the trebuchets, the castles were made more stronger ever time. It is surprising to note that how those engineers worked and found out unbelievable ways of upgrading the trebuchets every time. The conflicts were the reason for the improvements.
(engr 103)
Indeed, it is fascinating to see the rather ingenious solutions that they came up with in the middle ages to counter the military (siege engine) improvements. If the engines get better to the point that they can launch more, build thicker walls! Heh, not exactly the most sophisticated response, but it seems highly effective. And, I think that there is quite a contrast between how engineers addressed the challenge then, and how we might today - I think that today, we would be much more concerned with developing a building material that was resistant to the hits whereas in that era, the tendency was to just add more of the existing materials.
ReplyDelete(engr 103)