Maximizing the Spectacle of Water Fountains

Author: Simoson, Andrew J.

Source: The College Mathematics Journal, Volume 40, Number 4, September 2009 , pp. 263-274(12)

Publisher: Mathematical Association of America

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

For a given initial speed of water from a spigot or jet, what angle of the jet will maximize the visual impact of the water spray in the fountain? This paper focuses on fountains whose spigots are arranged in circular fashion, and couches the measurement of the visual impact in terms of the surface area and the volume under the fountain's natural suggested surface (of the object of revolution of any of the streams of water about the central axis of the fountain). Pappus' two theorems involving the centroid of an arc and of an area are used as keys to answer the question. The critical angle is in general other than 60 degrees.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.4169/193113409X458714

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$20.00 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A