Which mechanical limitation constrained Roman ballista artillery during sieges, specifically impacting range?

💡 Explanation

When a ballista is repeatedly fired, torsion springs made of sinew or hair experience mechanical creep and fatigue, which reduces stored energy and launch force, decreasing projectile range. Therefore, torsion spring fatigue is the range constraint, rather than fiber elasticity, wood density, or launch errors, that each affect different performance aspects.

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