Water Fountains Blend Art and Engineering A Resouce For Engineering Education

WATER FOUNTAINS BLEND ART AND ENGINEERING:
A RESOUCE FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Said Shakerin, Ph.D., PE

Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of the Pacific
Stockton, CA 95211
Email: [email protected]
Keywords: water fountain, special effect, design, patent, engineering education
Abstract
Because water fountains have a rich history and are multidisciplinary entities, there is a great
potential for enhancing engineering education by incorporating fountain-related activities in the
curricula. To assist educators in this endeavor, this paper provides a review of innovative
fountains developed throughout history, then suggests ways to use the subject of fountains for
course enhancement.
1. Introduction
Water fountains have been used for thousands of years for climatic control, beautification,
entertainment, and as a means for relaxation. Among the most popular fountains have been those
that incorporate elements of surprise and/or special effects. These fountains elegantly combine
engineering and artistic features. Due to the inherent multidisciplinary nature of fountains and
their appeal to the general public, there exists a great potential for enhancing engineering
education by incorporating fountain-related activities in the curricula.
To assist educators in this endeavor, the paper first presents a review of innovative fountains
developed throughout the history, and then, it suggests ways to use the subject of fountains for
course enhancement. The suggestions could be implemented in a number of courses such as
introduction to engineering, fluid mechanics, engineering design, and mechatronics, depending
on the scope and desired technical details.
The review section provides brief descriptions of ingenious fountains designed in the1st, 12th,
16th, 17th, and 20th centuries, including about sixteen US patents. In addition, the paper presents
a resource guide for fountain materials (pumps, basins, controllers, etc.), information on design
firms specializing in fountains, and the web sites of artists whose medium of artistic expression
is water (i.e., water sculptors).
The suggested class activities include reviewing and summarizing relevant patents, reproducing
historic fountains with special effects, design of water features, development of interactive
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fountain displays, and participation in the Rube Goldberg-type fountain competition.

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exhibition,
Copyright  2004, American Society for Engineering Education
It is hoped that the subject of fountains and the related activities would motivate and inspire
students to design future innovative fountains and exercise their creativity in general.
2. Review of Fountains
The earliest record of fountains dates back to 4000 BC in Iran1. For thousands of years fountains
were gravity fed - either directly from a running source of water such as a river that was located
at a higher elevation2, or from a holding tank built just behind the fountain3. Simple devices
were used in ingenious setups to provide special effects such as creating sound and motion to
surprise onlookers.
Around the 20th century the availability of electric pumps and later on the advancement of
control technology brought even more ingenuity to the design of fountains with special effects.
Today, with state-of-the-art computer controlled technology, we witness monumental fountain
installations such as “Fountains of Bellagio,” shown in Figure 1. Requiring 7.5 MW of power,
this fountain utilizes more than 1200 nozzles that shoot out water jets to heights reaching 240
feet in the air. And 300 of those jets (nozzles) move back and forth to dance in synch with music
for the enjoyment of visitors4. From the earliest fountains to today’s sophisticated versions, one
thing has remained the same – that successful fountains blend in elements of engineering and art
in elegant ways.
Figure 1 – Aerial view of “Fountains of Bellagio” in Las Vegas. Designed by WET Design in
1998. Photo by Ira Kahn.
In the following sub-sections examples of devices, mechanisms, and setups that have been used
to create special effects in fountains will be presented. Special effects include, but are not
limited to, creation of sound, motion, interaction with people, unusual forms of water jets,
synchronization of water flow with lighting and music, and combining water with fire.
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2.1. Alternating Fountains
Hero of Alexandria (1st century) was perhaps the first designer of fountains with special effects5.
Siphons (U-shaped or concentric) served as the main part responsible for creation of special
effects in his fountains. One of Hero’s designs is schematically shown in Figure 2. In this
fountain, after the water level rises and covers the siphon inlet, its continued flow into an
otherwise airtight vessel pushes the existing air out through a whistle within a bird’s statue. The
whistling sound appears to be coming from the bird and thus surprises the onlookers. The siphon
starts discharging the water as soon as the water level in the vessel reaches the top of the siphon.
Then the bird is silenced as air is sucked into the vessel due to partial vacuum created by
discharging the water through the siphon. This continues until the water level in the vessel
reaches below the siphon. Air is let in and the siphoning is terminated. The whistling period
starts again shortly thereafter. In other words, the siphon is responsible for the whistling-silence
cycle. In more elaborate setups, Hero masterfully used several siphons in conjunction with other
mechanical devices such as floats, cables and pulleys to create sound and motion. Siphons are
still used today for the creation of special effects in fountains; e.g., see US patent # 5,381,956,
where a U-shaped siphon is used in a self-activating falling water display.
Figure 2 – Hero’s singing bird fountain (1st century), redrawn based on a figure in reference 5.
Another alternating device extensively used in fountains is the tipping bucket designed by the
Banu Mussa brothers (9th century) and perfected by Al-Jazari (12th century)6. An application of
the tipping bucket is depicted in Figure 3. This fountain alternates between a single vertical jet
(A”) and several curved jets (B”). The tipping buckets (T and T’) cause the alternation. Once
filled with water coming from a small orifice (O), the tipping bucket (T) tips about its pivot, and
its small protrusion pushes the main pipe in a CCW direction about its central fulcrum. The main
pipe is then tilted to the other side. This action is reversed once the tipping bucket T’ becomes
full and is tipped.
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Figure 3 – Al-Jazari alternating fountain (12th century), redrawn based on a figure in reference 6.
The tipping bucket idea was used in the “Big-Mouth” water display in the Hellbrunn Palace,
which was designed by architect Solari (17th century)7. Many other water features with special
effects are still working in Hellbrunn Palace today. The “Big-Mouth” mechanism is shown in
Figure 4. Note that the lower jaw is a tipping bucket. And when full of water, it tips over,
grabbing a bent rod that actuates the tongue and the eyelids. Once emptied, the lower jaw
returns to its closed position and the above cycle is repeated as long as there is water flow to the
mechanism. The use of the tipping bucket is recurring even in modern-day patents. An example
can be seen in US patent # 5,367,805, where the action of a hidden tipping bucket actuates the
handle of an old-fashion pump, creating a motion whose cause is non-obvious to onlookers.
water supply
Figure 4 – “Big-Mouth” mechanism in Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg, Austria (17th century),

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scanned from reference 7.
2.2. Air and Steam Assisted Fountains
Figure 5 is taken from US patent # 151,003 that describes an air-assisted fountain for indoor
use8. A hand pump was used to pressurize air in the water reservoir (part A), which allowed for
a steady jet of water from the nozzle (part D). Steam has also been used to drive water jets in
small fountains for indoor use9.
hand pump
Figure 5 – Air-powered fountain, scanned from US patent # 151,003.
Fuller and Robinson invented a modern version of air-powered water display10. As shown in
Figure 6, taken from US patent # 4,852,801, water is allowed to fill in the nozzle body (part #
50) and then a blast of compressed air (coming from part 34) shoots most of the water out of the
nozzle to great heights. This effect could be produced by pressurized water as well but it would
cost much more to pressurize water than use compressed air. Fuller and his co-inventor made
improvements to the their air-powered fountains11, 12; for example, by using computer controlled
proportional valves, water jets with varying heights could be obtained.
2.3. Interactive Fountains
Interactive fountains are those in which the water flow (show) is initiated by some action of a
user. The earliest interactive fountain, designed by Hero of Alexandria, was a water dispenser. A
user would drop a coin into a slot at the top of the dispenser. The coin would fall on a lever arm
actuating a valve momentarily to let out water. Another interactive fountain was the “Organ
Fountain” in Villa d’Este (16th century). A water wheel was used to operate bellows to pump air
for the organ. The organ would start playing as visitors stepped on certain pavement stone
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blocks near the fountain. A mechanism was hidden below those blocks that activated the organ
keys when stepped on.
Figure 6 – Air-powered fountain, scanned from US patent # 4,852,801.
Fuller and Robinson disclosed a user-activated fountain, where sound sensors are installed on the
bottom of a fountain pool13. The fountain is normally off. Figure 7, taken from patent 4,817,312,
shows the general layout of the nozzles (parts 22) and sensors (parts 11A & B). After a coin is
tossed into the pool, the sensors pick up the sound waves generated by the coin. By gating
(triangulation of) the sensor outputs, the area of the pool in which the coin was tossed can be
identified. The nozzle action can then be directed to that area of the pool. After a predetermined
time the fountain is turned off and then it would be ready for the next coin.
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Figure 7 – User-activated fountain, scanned from US patent # 4,817,312.
2.4. Variable Spray or Dancing Fountains
Przystawik invented a mechanical arrangement to rock (move back and forth) multi nozzles for
water shows synchronized with music and perhaps lighting. This mechanism is shown in Figure
8, taken from US patent # 3,907,20414.
Figure 8 – Movable Nozzles, scanned from US patent # 3,907,204.
Opposing streams were used in an invention by Simmons to produce pleasing water displays15.
As shown in Figure 9, taken from US patent # 5,524,822, two separate streams (flowing through
parts 92 and 93) enter conduits (part 91) from opposite ends. The two streams combine and
produce jets coming out from the openings as shown. According to the inventor, one can control
the jets’ direction and flow rate by varying the pressures and/or flow rates of the streams.
Figure 9 – Variable-play fountain, scanned from US patent # 5,524,822.

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Jacobsen et al. invented a two-degree freedom apparatus capable of rocking nozzles along
perpendicular directions16. Figure 10, taken from US patent # 6,053,423, shows their invention.
There are two motors involved and the whole apparatus is placed on a platform (not shown) that
could be moved in and out of the water as desired during a water show. Dynamic shows can be
produced with computerized control of the motors in synch with accompanied music/lighting.
nozzle
Figure 10 – Two-degree freedom nozzle apparatus, scanned from US patent # 6,053,423.
2.5. Fire on Fountains
Integrating fire into fountains is an intriguing task. Designers of fountains have been able to
produce such integration. Both gas and liquid fuels have been used. Pejack and Eubanks
designed a small-scale decorative fountain with eight water jets surrounding a propane (fuel)
jet17. Figure 11 displays two photographs of their fountain. Slight wind in the proximity of the
fountain causes interesting fluctuation and separation in the flame. Flow rates of propane and
water are adjustable via appropriate valves.
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Figure 11 – Water and fire designed by Pejack and Eubanks, 2003. Note the separated flame in
the photo on the left. Photos by Ed Pejack.
Robinson and Fuller invented a fountain system capable of illuminating water jets with colored
flames18. Figure 12, taken from US patent # 4,858,826, shows the details of their colored flame
apparatus. The flame colors are produced by solutions of various metallic salts injected (from
parts 34) into the main burner (part 22). Note the water nozzles are numbered 20 in the figure.
Various sensors are used for safety; for example, the fuel is shut when the flame is extinguished
by whatever reason.
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Figure 12 – Colored flame fountain apparatus, scanned from US patent # 4,858,826.
In U.S. Patent # 5,961,042, Doyle describes a system of water nozzles fitted with a gas line for
producing flames19. The schematic of his invention is shown in Figure 13. Sensors are used for
safety. The inverted U-shaped section of the gas line (part 54) reaches sufficiently above the
surface of the pool to assure that the gas line does not fill with water when the gas is turned off.
Placing several of these nozzles in a row in a pool can create dramatic water shows. Safety
features include sensor (part 68).
pool
Figure 13 – Water on fire appearing water display, scanned from US patent # 5,961,042.
2.6. Laminar Stream Fountains
A popular fountain, the laminar stream nozzle, has been installed in theme parks and shopping
centers since the 1980s. Fuller received a patent for this nozzle20. Figure 14, taken from US
patent # 4,795,092, shows a cutout view of the laminar nozzle. It is made of a cylinder with a
tangential inlet and a knife-edge orifice outlet (part 12). The screens (parts 19 and 22) and
honeycomb or drinking straws (part 21) significantly reduce the turbulence and cause the exiting
stream to be laminar.
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inlet
Figure 14 – Laminar stream nozzle, scanned from US patent # 4,795,092.
In a follow up invention, Fuller and Robinson devised a quick diversion method by which the
laminar stream could be controllably terminated to give the effect of slicing the stream
perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis21. Further improvement to the original laminar nozzle
included adding a mounting assembly for the laminar nozzle22-24. The assembly is used for
changing the angle and repositioning of the nozzle so that the laminar stream appears to emanate
from a fixed location at different angles, which allows varying the characteristics of the arch-like
laminar stream in dynamic displays.
2.7. Other Artistic Fountains
Calder was commissioned to design a symbolic statue for the Spanish Pavilion at the 1937 World
Fair in Paris, France. Responding to this commission, he designed the famous “Mercury
Fountain” - mercury being an important export of Spain and the subject of mineworkers’ unrest
at the time25. The visitors would toss coins into the fountain pool, and to their amazement, the
coins would float on the mercury! This fountain was later relocated, and is now enclosed in a
glass housing in a museum in Madrid. To see pictures of the fountain on the web, refer to
references 26 and 27.
Lin designed “Timetable” for Stanford University in 2000, see Figure 15. This fountain-clock
sculpture is made of a 10-ton granite, which moves in an elliptical rotation, 360 degrees in one
year to indicate the months. A clock mechanism is situated in a cavity in the middle of the
granite, see Figure 15. Water flows out of this cavity and smoothly spreads in a uniform film
over the perfectly leveled granite. The clock hands have a special clutch to allow for slippage
and prevent damage from occurring when curious onlookers grasp and stop the hands from
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moving. According to the clock’s designer, it is the first clock mechanism completely immersed
in water. The sculpture cost $500,00028.
clock
Figure 15 – (left) “Timetable” designed by Maya Lin, (right) close up of clock hands. Photos by
Mahnaz Saremi and the author.
Pye has designed water features and fountains for corporate and private clients29. Water is the
medium of artistic expression for him. His works have appeared in large building projects such
as the British Pavilion at the 1992 World Fair in Seville, Spain and Mercury House in London,
UK30. His recent projects have incorporated large-scale vortex motion.
Shakerin designed a small-scale, decorative fountain that can produce letters of the alphabet and
simple geometrical shapes with water jets. Figure 16 shows the three letters of UOP (acronym of
the author’s university) generated in sequence by this fountain. A complete description of the
fountain is available31, 32. Briefly, it is made of nine outlets arranged in three rows with three
outlets per row. Each outlet is connected to a small submersible pump. A programmable
microcontroller (BasicStamp 2) is used to turn the pumps on and off as instructed. The
programming is done in PBASIC language via a serial connection to a personal computer.
Figure 16 – Viewed from the top, three letters of UOP generated by water jets of microcontrolled
fountain. Jets are spaced 2 inches apart. Photos by the author.
3. Course Activities
In the previous section, we reviewed different kinds of fountains to exhibit human ingenuity that
Page 9.1410.12
has gone into their development. It should now be obvious that the subject of fountains is rich in
both art and engineering. There is a great potential for educational enhancement by bringing in
the subject of design/development of fountains into engineering curricula. Specifically, three
kinds of course activities are suggested here. These could be assigned in various courses
depending on the scope and required technical details of the assignments.
A resource guide that lists useful books and Internet sites is provided in the appendix to assist
those interested to further their studies of fountains.
3.1. Study Patents on Fountains
In general, studying patents is not a routine practice in engineering curricula even though patents
offer a rich source of design knowledge. The following relevant anecdote is quoted from Real-
World Engineering authored by L. J. Kamm33. “…After WWII the US sent a group of scientists
to Europe in Operation Paper Clip to round up German scientists and engineers, particularly
those responsible for the V-1 and V-2 guided-missile programs. (The Russians, of course, ran a
matching program.) We netted Wernher von Braun and most of the engineers and scientists who
had worked with him. When Americans asked von Braun how he had developed the V-2 rocket
in such a short time compared with the little progress which had been made in the US, he
answered, with surprise, “Why, we studied the patents of your great Dr. Goddard, of course.”…”
The suggested activity is for students to search the patent database (e.g., www.uspto.gov) for
inventions related to various types of fountains, study the patents, and write short summaries. A
5-minute class presentation could also be included as part of the assignment. The references cited
in this paper are representative of what is available in the patent database. Patents can and should
be used as an educational resource. This activity is suitable for a variety of courses regardless of
the level.
3.2. Reproduce Historical Fountains
Students are asked to study historical fountains (such as those designed by Hero and Al-Jazari)
and reproduce them with modern materials. They not only have to search the literature to find
out as much details about these fountains as possible, but also design the parts and fabricate
them. This activity is more suitable for introductory level courses such as introduction to
engineering. Another relevant activity is to design and construct a water clock using siphons and
tipping buckets, among other devices used in early fountains.
3.3. Design Fountains with Special Effects
Students could be asked to take the micrcontrolled fountain, mentioned above, and modify it to
include programmed lighting (e.g., using laser pointers) to enhance the visual aspect of the
fountain. Or, they could be asked to develop an interactive fountain – one that could be installed
in the hallway of their classroom building. Another project is to design a fountain in which jets
respond to, and are in synch with, the notes played by an accompanied piece of music. There are
many other possibilities for student projects. By using a microcontroller, students can
incorporate sophisticated control schemes in their fountain designs. This activity is suited for
courses that have design component such as engineering design and mechatronics.
Page 9.1410.13
Another creative activity is to challenge students to design and build a fountain in the spirit of
Rube Goldberg inventions34. That is, performing a simple daily task through complicated multi-
steps using siphons, tipping buckets, floats, pumps, and other devices used in fountains.
Regional and national student design competitions based on this challenge could be envisioned.
A Word on Safety: As construction of fountains involves water and electricity, one must be
extra careful in following safety rules and procedures, in general, and relevant electrical codes, in
particular. Furthermore, fountains that include flames must be equipped with fire safety devices,
e.g., automatic shut-off valve in the fuel line in case flames go out.
4. Implementation at UOP
During the past several years mechanical engineering students carried out three senior design
projects and one independent study in fountains at UOP. For example, one of the senior projects
was to design a fountain apparatus that could shoot up blobs of water at random times. This
work was presented at an ASME Regional Student Conference and won the second place award.
Another project incorporated several parabolic water jets placed around a pool with a water bell
at the center. Propane gas was also supplied to the fountain for fire addition and display
enhancement. The independent study resulted in a fountain that integrated eight water jets
surrounding a flame; photographs of this fountain were presented in Figure 11. Overall, students
were enthusiastic about fountain projects and enjoyed working on them. More fountain projects
will be assigned in the future, hopefully to teams of engineering and art majors.
5. Summary
The paper provided a fairly comprehensive review of water fountains that exhibit special effects.
The main purpose was to excite the reader about educational potentials that lie in the subject of
fountains, and to encourage engineering educators to include relevant work in their courses for
students’ benefit. Three kinds of class activities were suggested to assist educators in this
endeavor. It is hoped that by consulting the cited references, the reader will be inspired to come
up with his/her own fountain design ideas to pursue.
The author would appreciate hearing about any project that results from the suggestions made in
this paper.
6. Acknowledgements
The author gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Faculty Research Committee at
University of the Pacific for his fountain projects. The following individuals have assisted the
author in gathering information and photos for his research on fountains during the past four
years. With thanks, they are James Coleman, Chris Curtis, David Eppstein, Mark Fuller, Nayer
Kazemi, John Leder, John Mendoza, Ed Pejack, William Pye, Barton Rubenstein, Mahnaz
Saremi, Monica Schutzman, Ingrid Sonvilla, Jack Sullivan, and Philippe Tarbourieh.
Page 9.1410.14
7. References
[1] Dynes, W., 2001, “Fountains,” The Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. 11, International Edition, Grolier, Danbury,
pp. 650-652.
[2] Coffin, D. R., 1991, “Gardens and Gardening in Papal Rome,” Princeton University Press, Cambridge,
Massachusetts, pp. 41-44 and 54-57.
[3] Symmes, M. (editor), 1998, “Fountains Splash and Spectacle,” Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., New
York.
[4] Shakerin, S., 2001, “Engineering Art,” Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 123, No. 7, pp. 63-66.
[5] Hero, 1971, “The Pneumatics of Hero of Alexandria,” edited by B. Woodcroft (Taylor, Walton, and Maberly,
London, 1851); Facsimile edition with introduction by M. B. Hall, Macdonald, London and American Elsevier Inc.,
New York.
[6] Hill, D. R., 1984, “A History of Engineering in Classical and Medieval Times,” Open Court Publishing
Company, La Salle, Illinois, pp. 199-222.
[7] Helminger, B., and Schally, S., “Hellbrunn: A Guide through the Trick Fountains, the Park and Palace,”
Colorama Verlag, Salzburg.
[8] Briesen, R. V., 1874, “Improvement in Parlor Fountains,” U.S. Patent # 151,003.
[9] Woodward, N. P. and Burn, L., 1913, “Fountain for Decorative Purpose,” U.S. Patent 1,066,565.
[10] Fuller, M. and Robinson, A., 1989, “Air Powered Water Displays,” U.S. Patent # 4,852,801.
[11] Fuller, M. and Robinson, A., 1996, “Air Powered Water Display Nozzle Unit,” U.S. Patent # 5,480,094.
[12] Fuller, M. and Robinson, A., 1996, “Air Powered Water Display Nozzle Unit,” U.S. Patent # 5,553,779.
[13] Fuller, M. and Robinson, A., 1989, “User Activated Fountain Display,” U.S. Patent # 4,817,312.
[14] Przystawik, G., 1975, “Musical Display Fountain,” U.S. Patent # 3,907,204.
[15] Simmons, T. R., 1996, “Apparatus for Producing Variable-Play Fountain Sprays,” U.S. Patent # 5,524,822.
[16] Jacobsen, S. C., Smith, F., Knutti, D. F., Morrison, M., 2000, “Fountain with Variable Spray Patterns,” U.S.
Patent # 6,053,423.
[17] Pejack, E., 2003, private communication.
[18] Robinson, A. S. and Fuller, M. W., 1989, “Colored Flame Water fountain Illumination System,” U.S. Patent #
4,858,826.
[19] Doyle, J., 1999, “Water on Fire Appearing Water Displays,” U.S. Patent # 5,961,042
[20] Fuller, M., 1989, “Laminar Flow Nozzle,” US Patent # 4,795,092.
[21] Fuller, M., and Robinson, A. S., 1989, “Apparatus and Method for Stream Diverter,” US Patent # 4,889,283.
[22] Fuller, M. W. and Robinson, A. S., 1990, “Water Displays,” US Patent # 4,955,540
[23] Fuller, M. W. and Robinson, A. S., 1992, “Water Displays,” US Patent # 5,078,320.
[24] Fuller, M. W. and Robinson, A. S., 1992, “Water Displays,” US Patent # 5,115,973.
[25] Calder, A., March 1938, “Mercury Fountain,” Technology Review, Vol. 40, p. 202.
[26] http://www.cecs.uci.edu/~eppstein/pix/bar/miro/Almaden1.html Photos of Mercury Fountain.
[27]http://www.phitar.com/photo/summer01/barcelona/pages/IMG_7070.htm Photo of Mercury Fountain.
[28] Mendoza, J., 2002, private communication.
[29] www.williampye.com Internet site of William Pye, British artist whose medium of expression is water.
[30] Grimshaw, N., Jan-Feb 1995, “Architecture & Water,” Architectural Design, Vol. 65.
[31] Shakerin, S., 2004, “Microcontrolled Water Fountain: A Multidisciplinary Project,” accepted for publication in
International Journal of Engineering Education.
[32] Shakerin, S., 2003, “Design of a Microcontrolled Water Fountain,” Paper FEDSM2003-45485, CDROM
Proceedings of the 4th ASME/JSME Joint Fluids Engineering Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii.
[33] Kamm, L. J., 1991, “Real-World Engineering – A Guide to Achieving Career Success,” IEEE Press,
Piscataway, NJ.
[34] Wolfe, M. F., 2000, “Rube Goldberg,” Simon & Schuster, New York, pp. 122 and 138.
Appendix – Resource Guide to Fountains
Examples of books with “how to” instructions for fountains.

Adkins, D., 1999, “Simple Fountains for Indoors and Outdoors – 20 Step-By-Step Projects,” Storey Books.
Aurand, C. D., 1986, “Fountains and Pools – Construction Guidelines and Specifications,” PDA Publishers
Corporation, Meza, Arizona.
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Binsacca, R., 1991, “Garden Pools, Fountains and Water Courses,” Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Rees, Y., 2002, “Indoor Water Garden Design – 20 Eye Catching Designs to Bring the Outdoors Into Your Home,”
Barron Educational Series, Inc.
Examples of companies specializing in fountains.

www.wetdesign.com
http://www.georgia-fountain.com
www.atlanticfountains.com
Examples of artists who work with water.

www.williampye.com
www.nayerkazemi.com
www.christophercurtis.com
http://www.broquard.com
http://www.jamesdesigns.co.uk
Examples of manufacturers/distributors of pumps, microcontroller, small parts, etc.

www.eponds.com small submersible pumps, underwater lights, pond accessories.
www.opto22.com relays and control electronics.
www.parallaxinc.com microcontrollers and some electronic parts.
www.smallparts.com small hardware, tools, etc.
Biography
SAID SHAKERIN is professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of the Pacific, where he has been since
earning his Ph.D. from Colorado State University in 1986. He is a registered professional engineer in California, and
served as department chairman from 1995 to 1998 but stepped down due to medical reason. His teaching
encompassed thermal/fluid sciences, instrumentation, and engineering design. Current scholarly activities include
design of special effect fountains and educational materials. He is a recipient of a DOE-AWU sabbatical fellowship
and DOW-ASEE Outstanding Educator Award.
Page 9.1410.16

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WATER FOUNTAINS BLEND ART AND ENGINEERING:

A RESOUCE FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION

Said Shakerin, Ph.D., PE

Keywords: water fountain, special effect, design, patent, engineering education

fountain displays, and participation in the Rube Goldberg-type fountain competition.

Figure 4 – “Big-Mouth” mechanism in Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg, Austria (17th century),

scanned from reference 7.

Figure 5 – Air-powered fountain, scanned from US patent # 151,003.

2.3. Interactive Fountains

Figure 7 – User-activated fountain, scanned from US patent # 4,817,312.

Figure 8 – Movable Nozzles, scanned from US patent # 3,907,204.

Figure 9 – Variable-play fountain, scanned from US patent # 5,524,822.

Figure 10 – Two-degree freedom nozzle apparatus, scanned from US patent # 6,053,423.

2.5. Fire on Fountains

Figure 12 – Colored flame fountain apparatus, scanned from US patent # 4,858,826.

2.6. Laminar Stream Fountains

Figure 14 – Laminar stream nozzle, scanned from US patent # 4,795,092.

2.7. Other Artistic Fountains

3.1. Study Patents on Fountains

3.2. Reproduce Historical Fountains

3.3. Design Fountains with Special Effects

Appendix – Resource Guide to Fountains

Examples of books with “how to” instructions for fountains.

Examples of companies specializing in fountains.

Examples of artists who work with water.

Examples of manufacturers/distributors of pumps, microcontroller, small parts, etc.

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