Final Project Report Part 1: Vortex Fountain

For my final project I wanted to design something that would be a conversation starter in my office of my new job after college.  After some research and consideration of what I had learned in the class and my previous course with this professor which was flow visualization, I settled on a fountain.  I stumbled upon these really cool vortex fountains that some people have in their yards and thought it would be cool to have a desktop version.

My budget for the project was to keep it under $40 and was able to achieve this as you can see:

Planter Pot – $10
Submersible pump – $7
Tubing and connectors – $3
Plastic trays – $1
Acrylic vase – $10
Rocks – $4

Total = $35

The only necessary tools were a hand drill, some scissors and a hot glue gun.

I first drilled a small center hole in the plastic vase and a hole large enough for the right angle pipe joint to fit through near the edge. I then poked a bunch of holes in the tray and cut out the center of it.  Next I hot glued the pipe joint into the hole. Hot glued the tray to the bottom of the vase. Attached the tubing from the  joint to the pump. Filled the pot up with water and set the assembly on the rim of the pot.

To obtain the size of vortex I wanted, I then gradually increase the size of the center drain hole.

All in all I am really happy with the way it turned out. I will proudly display it on my desk at work!

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8 Comments. Leave new

  • Morgan Benninger
    May 8, 2019 4:26 pm

    I can tell you put a great deal of time and effort into this project. Obviously tireless hours went into this flawless design. Put in work *clap*

    Reply
  • This came out really appealing! The fountain is satisfying to stare at as well as listen to. It would make a great addition to any tabletop. Your design was creative and fun. Good work!

    Reply
  • Jordan Nahabetian
    April 22, 2019 9:24 pm

    This project was really cool. The sound is perfect and and the dynamic aspect is calming. It would be interesting to see how food dye would affect the aesthetic of the project.

    Reply
  • Hi Chris,
    Nice job on your project! I like how even when your initial design did not work out you were able to come up with something new and exciting. Overall, I think the construction of your project was really well done and your end result is very satisfying. I’m glad everything worked out and hopefully you will be able to use it on your desk at work like you mentioned.

    Reply
  • Andrew Oliver
    April 22, 2019 1:37 pm

    Hello Chris, you did a great job with your project. You were able to include a really cool dynamic element into your otherwise minimalist piece

    Reply
  • Alexis Nibbelink
    April 22, 2019 1:35 pm

    Chris I really like your final project. It’s very aesthetically pleasing both in looks and sound.

    Reply
  • Tanner Wismer
    April 22, 2019 1:34 pm

    This is a really cool project! The vortex aspect of the fountain is very appealing and looks great. It seems like you learned a lot doing this and this is an awesome project to admire while it sits on your desk. Good job!

    Reply
  • Abdulrahman Alnoaim
    April 22, 2019 1:31 pm

    Chris,
    You have done an outstanding job in building this tornado fountain. The color of the vase along with pond stones added a lot to the aesthetic. Good job on the presentation as well!

    Reply

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