Water Pouring from the Base of a Tank
The central jet stands higher and moves faster than the sides of the outflow
In red chalk Leonardo examines water pouring out through an opening of uniform width set at the bottom of a tank (bottino). He states that the part of the outflow nearest the middle of the opening rises higher and moves faster than the parts along its sides. A sketch at the upper right shows the tank with its outlet and the turbulent, fanning stream of water gushing from it.
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Central part of the jet is highest and fastest
For water pouring through an opening of uniform width at the base of its tank, the portion nearest the middle of the opening reaches greater height and greater speed than the lateral portions of the stream.
Sketch of the tank and its gushing outflow
The drawing shows a rectangular gate or tank mouth with water breaking outward in a turbulent, spreading stream, illustrating the uneven profile of the jet described in the text.