Development of a Wet Wall: An Undergraduate Research Project

This paper reports an undergraduate research activity on developing a wet wall, which is among the field of water features with special effects. These fountains blend in elements of engineering and the arts in elegant ways, and as such provide an excellent medium of scholarly activity as well as learning. A team of two students worked for one semester to conduct this research. Variables such as water flow rate, wall surface texture, and method of distribution were thoroughly examined. The final apparatus was a dynamic wet wall with visually attractive features that incorporated a programmable microcontroller. The project is low cost, safe and easy to adapt at other institutions, especially in mechatronics courses. The most valuable learning outcomes for the students (the first two authors) were new knowledge about electronics and improvement in communication skills. They also enjoyed developing a visually pleasing product.