1726 Prototype Testing

[neoshaakti]

Originally Posted by TheOtherGuy

basically when the catapult is fully retracted, the cylinder sticks out 3 in. Before we shoot, we hold down the ball (from the top, we still have to make that part) and open the valve. Air from the tanks fills up that 3in. and we wait until it is time to fire. When we fire, we remove the top piece and the air inside the cylinders expands rapidly, launching the ball.

Maybe I should make a quick diagram...

so your bore starts 3 inches, and it fires out to 10? so basically you're using the potential energy of the bore that is protruding 3 inches?
yeah a diagram might help...