Abstract

Citation

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Goodnow, J., Orr, R., Ross, D. (2023). 2015-Goodnow-EtAl-Mathematical Models of Water Clocks. SIMIODE, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/JBEY-JY03

  BibTex | EndNote

Article Context

Description

Goodnow, Jennifer, Richard Orr, and David Ross. 2015. Mathematical Models of Water Clocks.  18 pp.  Mathematics, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY USA.

http://www.nawcc-index.net/Articles/Goodenow-WaterClocks.pdf  . Accessed 29 March 2023. 

This is a historical tour of water clocks, known as clepsydra a Greek word meaning water thief. These devices were for telling time. Many variations are offered and then the mathematical analysis based on Bernoulli's Law and Torricelli's Law develops the shapes of the containers so that the water falls at a constant rate or that markers on the container put forth correct timings.

The analysis is detailed, but the resulting graphics are convincing.