Segment V5.6: Impulse-Type Lawn Sprinkler

(Related to Textbook Section 5.2.4 - Application of the Moment-of-Momentum Equation)

The operation of an impulse-type lawn sprinkler is based on the linear momentum and angular momentum of water jets and oscillating solid components.

A set of linkages, switched by stops on the sprinkler base, controls the flow of the water jet. For one setting of the linkages, the periodic off-set of the jet causes the sprinkler head to slowly rotate. For the other setting, the angular impulse of the oscillating arm against the sprinkler head causes it to rotate in the opposite direction. A careful inspection of the actual device is needed to obtain a complete understanding of how it works.