A simulated flame or artificial fire is a lighting device that gives the impression of real fire, but is fire safe. Such devices are used in theatrical performances, games, and simply as decorations.
Instructions
Step 1
Glue a cylinder out of cardboard that is just about twice the diameter of your computer fan's outer diameter and is about twice the height. It must be cross-cutting. Place it vertically. Mount the fan to the bottom of the cylinder so that it blows air upwards.
Step 2
In the middle of the cylinder, glue a bright white LED, also pointing up. Connect the LED to a 12-volt power supply through a resistor so that the current through it is equal to the nominal current and the fan is directly connected. Connect both the LED and the fan with the correct polarity.
Step 3
At the top of the cylinder, stretch a few thin wires horizontally. Attach a light ribbon cut from a bright red napkin to each of them. Spread them out so that they point up.
Step 4
Equip the cylinder with a weight so that it does not move on the table from the vibration of the fan, and feet so that it is raised above the table and the fan can draw air from below.
Step 5
Dim the room lights and turn on the power to the unit. The ribbons, illuminated by the LED, will begin to sway in the air flow, giving the impression of a flame.
Step 6
This simulator can be improved if desired. For example, install longer ribbons, a more powerful fan, or a light source. The main thing is not to forget that even an artificial fire can be dangerous if it is not designed correctly. In particular, do not use fans with metal blades, which can injure your fingers, or powerful lamps, especially halogen ones, as they can really light ribbons (despite the fact that halogen lamps are used in some industrial simulators). In a fantastic performance, multi-colored artificial lights with colors that cannot be found in a real flame without the use of coloring salts, for example, green, are appropriate.
