The Double Helix Fountain has two laminar jets and a precision high-voltage power supply. The two streams of water are shot from the base, about one foot apart, at specific angles, and the power supply energizes them with a few million volts in opposite polarities. Depending on the angle and spacing of the jets, the flow speed, the conductivity of the water and the voltage applied, one of the following situations may arise:

* The streams are attracted to each other greatly, and on the way upwards they spiral inwards and collide. It may be possible to reach a stable condition with the water falling down the centre of the double helix, entering a drain in the middle, but probably not.

* The streams travel upwards in a double helix of constant radius until their vertical momentum runs out, at which point they touch and short the voltage. The column collapses, and once the splashing has stopped, the double helix column starts climbing up again to repeat the cycle.

* The streams are attracted to each other in circular motion, forming a double helix, but the voltage drops as the height increases and the central attraction weakens. Towards the top of the fountain, the streams spiral outwards and then break apart. This is the intended stable configuration.

Installation and set-up will involve either a computer feedback system, or a colossal amount of patience and electric shocks.
-- mitxela, Nov 14 2016

Water Jacob's Ladder http://www.tesladow...om/JacobsLadder.htm
It seems it does work! [neutrinos_shadow, Nov 14 2016]

Also touching on the subject Jacob_27s_20Fountain
no mention of trying to shape the fountain though [FlyingToaster, Nov 16 2016]

// a colossal amount of patience and electric shocks. //

[+]
-- 8th of 7, Nov 14 2016


Would you get a Jacob's Ladder happening, ie: the high voltage arcing across the gap? Whether that would also allow the streams to be attracted to each other or not, I dunno... Rising AND spiralling AND arcing would be great!
-- neutrinos_shadow, Nov 14 2016


Hmmm, I visualized two laminar jets and a rotating base to create the double helix but your version is MUCH more interesting. (Touch it with your tongue - it'll be cool)
-- AusCan531, Nov 14 2016


//I visualized two laminar jets and a rotating base// Now that would work! And, even better, you could create the proper major/minor groove structure (by having the two nozzles not-quite-opposite eachother). I am seriously tempted to build such a thing.
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Nov 14 2016


What [8th] said.
-- Voice, Nov 16 2016


Don't cross the streams.
-- not_morrison_rm, Nov 16 2016



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