Pumps in the wild

Real machines explained with what you learn in the course — from heart pumps to rocket engines.

• ❤️MedicineThe heart pump that floats on magnetsA coin-sized impeller that keeps blood moving for people whose hearts are too weak.Read →
• 🚀SpaceRocket turbopumpsThe most powerful pumps for their size ever built — and the reason big rockets can fly at all.Read →
• 🌊VehiclesJet skis and waterjetsNo propeller underneath: an impeller in a tube shoots a jet out of the back.Read →
• 🏎️VehiclesThe turbochargerA wheel spun by exhaust gas at up to about 250,000 RPM, blowing extra air into the engine.Read →
• 🍽️HomeInside a dishwasherA small pump that reuses the same few litres of water over and over — and spins the spray arms by itself.Read →
• 🌷Cities and industryKeeping the Netherlands dryGiant pumping stations lift rain and river water over the dykes, day and night.Read →
• 🚒VehiclesThe fire engine pumpA powerful centrifugal pump that turns a truck into a moving water supply.Read →
• ❄️Surprising placesThe snow blowerA centrifugal pump for snow: auger in, impeller out, flung many metres through a chute.Read →