4th Annual Trebuchet Pumpkin Toss
Competition Rules and Regulations
ASME Utah State University & North Logan City
November 1, 2014
Sponsored by North Logan City and organized by ASME Utah State University student-section
Competition Open to Everyone
Introduction
The Pumpkin Toss Competition is an engineering inspired competition to see who can build the most
powerful trebuchet or other alternative throwing device. A trebuchet is a “siege machine that uses
counter-balancing weights to launch a projectile in a sling using a swing-arm.”
Using pumpkins donated by North Logan City, there will be awards for Accuracy, Longest-Distance,
and design.
Multiple teams may be formed from each college, business, or high school participating.
Any questions or concerns regarding the Pumpkin Toss may be submitted to ASME USU at
[email protected]. For more information, visit our website asme.usu.edu
Location, Date, Time
November 1, 2014
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Elk Ridge Park (1060 E 2500 N)
North Logan, Utah
Trebuchet Specifications
 Maximum overall height – 15 ft. (immediately before firing, may be taller during launch)
 Must be able to fit in a 10 x 10 foot square area.
 Counter-Weight limit: 300 lbs.
 Electronic, gas, or other non-mechanical devices to launch the projectiles may not be used.
 Any material may be used in the construction of the trebuchet.
 There is no limit on material costs. There will be no reimbursement for items purchased. It is
encouraged to find sponsors for funding/materials.
 Pre-competition testing is required. A video recording or visual confirmation of a series of
working test fires (minimum of 3) must be submitted to [email protected] by October 25,
2014 in order to compete. Verification that trebuchet is operational by set date is must be
received in order to compete.
 Each team must pass a safety inspection to verify their trebuchet meets required mechanical and
safety specifications as listed here.
 Technical Report for the Most Innovative Trebuchet Design competition (see “Technical
Report”)
Technical Report
To participate in the Most Innovative Trebuchet Design competition, the following must be included in a
design report:
 Estimated full counter-weight projectile distance and angle
 Materials used
 Design method
 2-D and CAD drawings with descriptions
 Force analysis, bending stresses
 Etc.
Registration Deadline: September 19th, 2014
To register your team and trebuchet, email ASME USU at [email protected] with names of team
members, school/company affiliation (e.g. Utah State University or Autoliv), and team name by the
registration deadline.
**For USU Students
Anyone unable to find a team to join can email ASME USU at [email protected] and the
committee will assist you in joining a team.