Tiny Heron's Fountain

This 3D design represents a miniature version of the classic Heron's fountain, an ingenious device demonstrating the principles of fluid dynamics using air and water pressure. Although this miniature is not designed for continuous operation due to its reduced size, it serves as an excellent educational and promotional tool to show how air pressure can be used to move water against gravity.

Heron's fountain operates on the principle that compressed air exerts pressure on the water. In this design, when air is pressed into one container, it forces water out through another conduit, creating a jet that can be used to feed a small fountain or similar. This process illustrates fundamental physics concepts in a tangible and visual way, making this miniature a fascinating piece for both 3D printing enthusiasts and those interested in physics.

Although simplified to suit its scale and educational purpose, this model retains the essential elements that allow for an understanding of the fountain's workings, making it an ideal project for those looking to explore the principles of physics in a practical and accessible manner. Its design is perfect for short demonstrations, capturing attention and fostering curiosity about the scientific mysteries behind fluid movement.

The system fully depends on print settings and your printer to be able to print watertight containers

Do not expect the water flow to last forever. Due to its size and configuration, it is more of an educational and interesting model than a fully functional fountain.

ONLY ONE PIECE WITH NO SUPPORTS! Optimized for 3D printing

It's important to add extra walls to the model to ensure that air pressure doesn't escape and neither does water.

This is how the Heron's Fountain works:

1. Initial Configuration: Container A is positioned at the top to catch the water from the fountain. Container B, located in the middle, is filled with water, and Container C, at the bottom, contains air. These containers are interconnected: A is connected to C, C to B, and B has a tube leading to the fountain's nozzle.
2. Activation: The process begins by introducing water into Container A (either manually or by the fountain's operation). This water flows down into Container C, the bottom container that initially contains air.
3. Air and Water Pressure Dynamics: As water enters Container C, it displaces the air, increasing the air pressure within Container C. This pressurized air has only one way to escape: into Container B, since C is connected to B.
4. Forcing Water Upwards: The pressurized air pushing into Container B exerts force on the water contained within. Because of the increased pressure, water in Container B is pushed up through the tube that leads to the fountain's nozzle.
5. The Fountain Effect: As the water is forced out through the nozzle, it creates the fountain effect. This water then falls into Container A, repeating the cycle.
6. Continuation and Limitations: This process can continue as long as there is a sufficient water level in Container A to keep the cycle going. However, like all systems, it is subject to physical limitations such as air pressure equalization and water volume reduction, which eventually slow down and stop the fountain.

First time usage

The first time you use the fountain, you must ensure that Container B is full of water and Container C has enough air to be pushed to B. 

You can accomplish that following this steps:

1. Put water into A
2. Let Container C to be filled
3. Turn down the fountain, letting the water flow from C to B
4. Turn the fountain again to its normal position

Following uses

1. Put water into A
2. Observe how water start “magically” flowing through the nozzle.

Finish and restart

1. When you notice the fountain is full of water and container C is collapsed, just turn down the fountain and empty container C
2. Now, with Container C empty, you can restart the process

• v1.0
  • Initial design
• v1.1
  • Fixed non-manifold mesh

You can study this behavior more deeply in the following video: