The Amazing Physics Behind the Steam-Powered Spinning Top
Did you know? The ancestor of all steam engines was a sphere capable of spinning via steam-powered recoil; it was invented by Hero of Alexandria as early as the 1st century AD (see Wikipedia: "Aeolipile"). This floating spinning top operates on the same principle.
Its water-impulse propulsion system—familiar from the classic "pop-pop boat" toy—works as follows: A tea light boils the water inside a coiled copper tube; the resulting steam is expelled from the ends, creating thrust, before condensing and drawing fresh water back into the tube. This cycle repeats several times per second, continuing as long as the heat source lasts!
Add a paper cylinder and turn it into a spinning buoy, a revolving lantern, etc.
Contents:
- 1 pre-drilled cork disc, Ø 8 cm, height 1 cm
- 1 copper tube coil, 7 x 9 x 1 cm, cross-section Ø 4 mm (OD) x 3 mm (ID)
- 1 metal nail, Ø 3 mm, length 6 cm (bending tool)
- Detailed assembly instructions in German and English
Not included: tea light
Dimensions of the assembled item: approx. 8 x 7 x 8 cm
Assembly time: approx. 10 minutes
Producer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Below you can download the instructions for this Item
Adult supervision:
Children under the age of 14 should only use the kit under adult supervision to avoid risks arising from improper handling.
Risk of injury:
Take particular care when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools with care and, where necessary, take appropriate safety measures to prevent injury.
Do not touch the copper pipe coil during or after use until it has cooled down completely. Keep children and unauthorised persons away from it whilst it is in operation.
Fire hazard:
Handle open flames and heat sources with care. The product contains highly flammable materials. Never leave it unattended whilst it is in operation.
Use of tea lights:
When using tea lights, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Never leave burning tea lights unattended.
Intended use:
The kit should be used in accordance with the enclosed instructions. Unauthorised modifications may impair the functionality and safety of the assembled model.
