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← HistoryWhich risk increased when Roman siege engines used torsion springs made from poorly seasoned wood?
A)Catapult arm fracturing at launch✓
B)Projectile trajectory deviation due to asymmetry
C)Rope slippage decreasing launch energy
D)Frame instability causing premature collapse
💡 Explanation
When torsion springs of siege engines like ballistae were made from poorly seasoned (green) wood, arm fracturing at launch increased because the wood's higher moisture content and lower strength decreased force resistance. Therefore arm fractures were more likely rather than deviation, slippage, or frame collapse which involve distinct failure modes related to projectile balance rope tightness etc.
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