Tesla’s Research in the Field of Mechanical Engineering Focused on Fountains Design

Abstract

Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) made numerous inventions and discoveries in the field of electricity that form the basis of new scientific and technological breakthroughs, started in the late 19th century, without which our present life could not be imagined. Tesla’s abundant and interesting creative activity in the field of mechanical engineering has only sporadically been quoted in the greatest number of biographical depictions of his life and opus. Accordingly, the terms such as e.g. turbines, pumps, fountains, speedometers or aeroplanes, often act confusing even on a connoisseur, deemed to be at least averagely informed about Tesla’s inventions and discoveries. One of those less known achievements is his patent for a fountain. This invention of Tesla’s is different from usual solutions applied to fountains and aquariums of that time, where the fluid was sprayed or jetted with appropriate devices for decorative purposes. The abundant documents in the archives preserved at the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade demonstrate Tesla’s great engagement in this, at first glance less significant, segment of his creative activity. This paper presents Tesla’s work and achievements in the field of fountains. Using the original archival documents, design solutions, technical drawings, calculations, correspondence with companies and individuals, magazine articles and various brochures, the authors examine the scope of Tesla’s research in this less known field. The authors also provide CAD models based on some of Tesla’s original drawings of the fountains archived as a part of his legacy at the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade.