Kugel ball nature: hydrodynamics-mathematics-design

Abstract

The Kugel fountain, where a sphere sits in a fitted socket fed by a thin film of pressurized water flowing between the sphere and the socket, was treated as a bearing without referring to any mathematical or practical evidence that can support this idea. Hence, in this study the hydrodynamics of this sculpture will be handled to support the idea of treating the fountain as a bearing and to prove that it is a hydrostatic thrust spherical bearing. Starting with the continuity and Navier-Stokes equations, a pressure gradient formula has been derived; in turn, the force or the load carrying capacity, flow rate, frictional torque, rotational torque, and spinning speed formulae have also been derived. A new simple optimal design with an explanatory example has been offered. In addition, the dimensions of some true cases have been checked and compared with the results got by the new design technique.

Keywords

• Kugel ball mathematics
• Kugel ball design
• Externally pressurized bearings
• Thrust spherical bearings
• Hydrostatic bearing design