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Structural Synthesis of the Ancient Chinese Zhuge Repeating Crossbow

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Part of the book series: History of Mechanism and Machine Science ((HMMS,volume 15))

Abstract

This work synthesizes the structure of the Zhuge repeating crossbow, invented around 220 AD and depicted confusedly in ancient Chinese literature. Based on the analysis of the mechanism, the structural characteristics and design constraints of this device with uncertain members and joints are concluded. Then, according to the concepts of generalization and specialization subject to the concluded design constraints, eight feasible structures of mechanism that meet the technological standards of the subject’s time period are systematically reconstructed.

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© 2012 Springer Netherlands

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Hsiao, KH., Yan, HS. (2012). Structural Synthesis of the Ancient Chinese Zhuge Repeating Crossbow. In: Koetsier, T., Ceccarelli, M. (eds) Explorations in the History of Machines and Mechanisms. History of Mechanism and Machine Science, vol 15. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4132-4_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4132-4_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-007-4131-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-4132-4

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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