Water exiting the bearing of a kugel (granite sphere) fountain

Water exiting the bearing of a kugel (granite sphere) fountain

A kugel fountain is a granite sphere supported in a cradle by a pressurized water layer, forming a type of journal bearing. Here is a close up of the water exiting the bearing space next to the sphere. Some water is pulled upward along the moving sphere surface, and some flows downward from the lower edge.

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By Daniel Luber, for Get Wet 2016.

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23 Comments. Leave new

  • Jason Savath
    Sep 25, 2016 22:46

    The fluid flow is exemplary in this image. The focus on the surface of the water allows us to see the fluid flow. From the image’s perspective, the water almost has a solid rock-like geometry.

    Reply
  • Sierra Castillo
    Sep 23, 2016 10:47

    The natural lighting works really well with the image; good call on not adding any external light. I like that the focus is very sharp right where the viewer should be looking and softer in the background. I’m not a big fan of reflections, but these actually work really well in highlighting parts of the fluid.

    Reply
  • Harrison Lien
    Sep 22, 2016 15:42

    Nice lighting and really crisp focus. The post editing sounds like it really added to this photo. The flow is nicely represented, good work!

    Reply
  • Joseph Straccia
    Sep 22, 2016 09:50

    Neat idea to get a new perspective on something we all see everyday. That sculpture is a great example of the relatively incompressible nature of liquid water. If you are not familiar with the Coanda effect I’d encourage you to take a look as it may be relevant as you consider the physics at work here. This image is a good example of macro photography which carries with it a lot of its own unique challenges, as I’m sure you found. I like the warm tones in the image and agree that applying some more blur to the background helped emphasize the subject. Focus is good on the upwelling of water.

    Reply
  • Katie Gresh
    Sep 21, 2016 22:27

    1. The dramatic image is appealing and has very nice framing.
    2. The fluid phenomena is well illustrated and the details are clearly visible.
    3. The photographic technique is well focused and the highlights are great.

    Reply
  • Schuyler Vandersluis
    Sep 21, 2016 12:48

    This flow is very perplexing, i enjoy the contrast and clarity that you show

    Reply
  • Alexander Thompson
    Sep 21, 2016 12:16

    Great idea finding examples of flow visualization around campus! I can’t believe I didn’t think of taking a picture of this fountain. One of the homework assignments in undergrad Fluid Dynamics with Professor Hertzberg was centered around this very same fountain. Great job capturing this image and I really like the focus on the foreground with the blurry background to keep all attention on the flow. Great job!

    Reply
  • Michael Lloyd
    Sep 21, 2016 12:15

    Nice crisp capture and good color settings. Did you crop any of the ball or other foreground out?

    Reply
  • Sean Harrison
    Sep 21, 2016 12:13

    Really interesting image of BLEACH on a phone. The narrow depth of field provides a nice effect in the image with it fading out of focus on both the top and bottom. Also, the three light reflection in a few of the beads is quite a nice touch.

    Reply
  • David Leng
    Sep 21, 2016 12:13

    The spherical surface is difficult to see, but overall a very interesting photo. The lighting and the refraction of light of the fluid give this photo a very aesthetic look.

    Reply
  • Jeremy Parsons
    Sep 21, 2016 12:12

    The image has crisp focus on the flow but the background on the left is a little distracting to me. I like how it is a vague scale, I would have assumed it was a micro scale image while it is actually fairly large. I am curious what would happen if you enhanced the colors to pull the fluid flow from the solid of the big granite ball. Good work overall.

    Reply
  • Zachary Cymanski
    Sep 21, 2016 12:11

    I like how the focus is set on the front of the image while the back is out of focus. The color has a nice feel and how it shows the water getting pulled up from the spinning ball.

    Reply
  • Stephanie Mora
    Sep 21, 2016 12:10

    Really good quality pic, it’s really clear and easy to see where the water is. Good choice making the colors warmer!

    Reply
  • Mark Noel
    Sep 21, 2016 12:10

    1. I like were you focused the image and the dynamic range
    2. The worm color is nice
    3. good representation of surface tentions

    Reply
  • James Julian
    Sep 21, 2016 12:10

    Art: The color contrast between the water and the rotating ball isn’t too vibrant but I think that’s what I really like about this piece.
    Flow: The flow is understandable and easily recognized.
    Photographic technique: The background isn’t too distracting and the focus on the water is great.

    Reply
  • Hunter Miller
    Sep 21, 2016 12:10

    Really cool physics in this photo. I have always liked playing with that smooth ball out there. The field of view is cool too. I like it when the foreground and background are out of focus i think it brings attention to the middle of the photo.

    Reply
  • Michael Waterhouse
    Sep 21, 2016 12:09

    I like how you blurred the background of the image. Draws your attention to the fluid flow in the foreground. Great color and detail. Great natural lighting.

    Reply
  • Brett Sibel
    Sep 21, 2016 12:09

    Art: the colors in the photo are gorgeous.
    Flow: Momentum of the ball was incredibly unique.
    Photography: Wonder use of natural lighting and blurring the background.

    Reply
  • Sean Harrison
    Sep 21, 2016 12:09

    Very crisp image in the center of the flow. Nice effect as it fades away into the warmth. Overall very visually appealing image of the flow. Also, good background that does not distract from the flow.

    Reply
  • Theo Petrides
    Sep 21, 2016 12:09

    – Great photo Daniel!
    – I like your use of photographic technique with your camera, it makes the image look clear.
    – Interesting find for flow visualization I like how the water adheres to the ball.

    Reply
  • Ryan Daniel
    Sep 21, 2016 12:08

    -Cool place for a picture, the water looks really clear
    -Nice example of surface tension since the water is being pulled up by the movement of the marble ball
    -Good contrast range, water looks very sharp

    Reply
  • Maxfield Scrimgeour
    Sep 21, 2016 12:08

    I like how the photo illustrates something that i walk past every day and provides a new perspective. nice work with the shutter speed to give the sense of movement in the image

    Reply
  • Alexander Rosenberry
    Sep 21, 2016 12:08

    The light streaking on the ball surface gives a nice sense of motion, especially when compared to the sharp water that is the focus of the image. The light spotting in the background is super nice, and lends it an artistic touch

    Reply

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