Which limiting factor constrained the maximum range attainable by Roman torsion siege engines like the ballista?

💡 Explanation

When a torsion siege engine is fired, cyclic loading progressively fatigues the tightly wound skein because the repeated stress exceeds fiber endurance limits, thus reducing energy storage capacity to propel projectiles over long ranges. Therefore, fiber fatigue, rather than projectile weight, gear ratio, or projectile shape was the main limitation because those could be designed for.

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