Importance

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Abstract

System and methods for launching a projectile are provided. The launching apparatus may include a flexible beam and drivers attached to the ends of the beam. The drivers may drive the ends of the beam to induce a steady large amplitude vibration in the beam. The induced vibration causes the beam to oscillate between two catenary-like configurations. A projectile may be loaded on the midpoint region of the beam when the midpoint region of the beam reaches a peak displacement with a near zero velocity and acceleration. The projectile may then be pushed and accelerated by the beam vibration and launched from the beam when the midpoint region reaches a peak velocity and midpoint acceleration reaches zero.

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First Claim