Physics Researchers Win Ig Nobel for Splash-Free Urinal
A team received the 2026 Ig Nobel Prize in Zurich for designing urinals that significantly reduce liquid splashback.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Physics
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On September 3, 2026, researchers were awarded the Ig Nobel Prize in Physics for designing Nautilus and Cornucopia urinals that curb splashback. The designs use differential equations to control liquid impact angles.
Why it matters
The team aimed to address sustainability and hygiene by reducing cleaning requirements for the 56 million nonresidential urinals in the United States. They estimate their designs could save 10 million liters of fresh water daily.
The researchers utilized differential equations to ensure liquid streams strike surfaces at or below a 30-degree impact angle. Laboratory tests compared these new shapes against contemporary commercial models and the 1917 Fountain artwork.
The players
Randy Hurd
He is a member of the research team that developed the geometry-based urinal designs.
Zhao Pan
He is a researcher and co-author of the study published in PNAS Nexus.
Tadd Truscott
He is a scientist who contributed to the fluid dynamics research focused on splashback reduction.
Kaveeshan Thurairajah
He is a member of the research team involved in the design and testing of the urinal prototypes.
The details
The Nautilus design incorporates logarithmic spirals to maintain optimal geometry for liquid flow. By minimizing splashback, the team seeks to improve accessibility and sanitation standards for public restrooms.
Timeline
Marcel Duchamp created the Fountain artwork in 1917.
ADA standards set a 17-inch maximum rim height in 2010.
The research paper appeared in PNAS Nexus in April 2025.
The Ig Nobel ceremony was held in Zurich on September 3, 2026.
The Big Picture
The project design explicitly accounts for ADA standards, which set a 17-inch maximum rim height, to ensure the new shapes remain functional in public settings. This research challenges legacy fixture geometry by applying mathematical precision to a common sanitation issue.
Implementation of these designs could lead to cleaner public facilities and reduced water consumption in nonresidential buildings. Users may eventually encounter these shapes in public restrooms if manufacturers adopt the Nautilus or Cornucopia geometry.
The takeaway
Physics-based design improvements can significantly reduce water usage and maintenance needs in public spaces. These findings demonstrate how fundamental mathematical principles can be applied to everyday objects to enhance hygiene and sustainability.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Physics research.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
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