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← HistoryWhich risk increased when Roman ballista siege engines replaced torsion springs with composite bow-like structures?
A)Increased susceptibility to rain damage✓
B)Reduced projectile range due to energy loss
C)Slower firing rate from recoil issues
D)Greater reliance on skilled craftsmanship
💡 Explanation
When composite bow-like structures replaced torsion springs, moisture absorption by the wood and sinew would cause them to lose tension, reducing power, a mechanism called humidity-induced weakening. Therefore, increased susceptibility to rain resulted, rather than range reduction, slower firing, or craft reliance that require different material properties or mechanisms.
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