Heron's fountain

Edit 1.1

• Added faster print profile PLA 0,2mm layers

Heron's fountain

Heron of Alexandria is a 1st century (AD) inventor, mathematician and physicist. Heron studied the pressure of air and steam, described the first steam engine and built toys that would spurt water. This hydraulic machine is called Heron's fountain. Various versions of Heron's fountain are used today in physics classes as a demonstration principles of hydraulics and pneumatics.

Fountain effect will last approx 30seconds but it's enough to see the principle of the effect.

Total volume of the device is ~0,55l (0,14 gal), but only a half of that is needed to start the fountain.

Use some light color PLA to be able to see through so it is easier to operate the device. Use flashlight if necessary to see the water levels.

IMPORTANT! There's a drain hole behind the device. Block it before usage. Bluetack or gum is fine!

Principle and operation:

Device contains 3 sections. 

Section 1 = fountain

Section 2 = water 

Section 3 = air

To Start:

Water is poured to section 1. From there it will flow to the bottom section 3. To get it to section 2 device needs to be turned upside down. Try to see through the device that water flows to the section 2.

Now You should have:

Section 1 empty

Section 2 full of water

Section 3 empty

To start the fountain effect, simply pour more water to section 1 and the effect will start. Quite amazing! Fountain will spurt water approx for 30sec. After it runs dry the section 3 should be full of water and section 2 empty. To start it again just turn it upside down again and let the water flow to section 2. Sometimes air bubble will clog the pipes. Small shake will drive it out.