Ancient Chinese Repeating Crossbow: Basic Research to Science Education in Museums

Abstract

The single-shot crossbow is an important ancient Chinese invention dating back to 600 B.C. It was a weapon using elastic force to shoot arrows at targets at a distance. It was composed of a stock, a bow, a string, and a trigger. By adding a magazine to a single-shot crossbow, the repeating crossbow was allowed to shoot repeatedly without hesitation by operating the operating handle. According to archaeological findings, the earliest repeating crossbow was excavated in Jiangling County, Hubei Province, China, and dated back to 400 B.C. Based on the restored design of ancient crossbows, we found six feasible designs of the earliest repeating crossbow. These designs adopted the mechanism of “six members and seven joints”. One feasible design was selected to construct its model, using computer animation as a DIY teaching aid. The research results can be used for STEM education in museum exhibitions.

Keywords

• repeating crossbow
• reconstruction design method of ancient machinery
• museum
• science education
• mechanism design