A kugel fountain (also called a "floating" sphere fountain or by the pleonasmic name kugel ball) is a water feature or sculpture where a sphere sits in a fitted hollow in a pedestal, and is supported by a thin film of water. Pressurized water flows between the sphere and socket, creating a mechanical fluid bearing that is nearly frictionless. The sphere can weigh thousands of pounds, but the efficient bearing allows it to be spun by the force of a hand. The sphere does not float, being denser than water; it is often made from granite. Ring sculptures that rotate on an axis are also built.
Kugel fountains can be found all over the world. Many are at popular tourist destinations, such as science museums shopping centers, lobbies, and gardens.
The term kugel is from the German word Kugel for ball or sphere.
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Kugel fountains
Locations of kugel fountains
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Source of the article : Wikipedia
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