Figured out what it was after a while of looking at it. It uses centrifugal force the same way a tesla turbine does (named after the scientist, not the car company). It causes the water to rotate, and it gets thrown to the edges. There is an angle to the wall it goes down, applying force the opposite way. Then it hits a lip and has to divert 90 degrees, adding more force. The lack of water in the center creates a void, and that low pressure draws water from the opposite side in through the holes towards the center.

I figured this out but had no way to test it. I have a 3d printed replica, but today I tried something stupid with a broom handle, a power drill, and some duct tape. Well, duct tape is magic, and it actually worked. I added some parsley flakes from the kitchen for visual reference on the water, and bam. You can see it moving.

I also had to add duct tape to the handle upstream from the disc, because when I did it the first time the pressure popped it off the thicker end. Yes, it produces enough pressure for me to feel in addition to seeing. Also remember, this is just a power drill with low rpms. The outer ring, I think, is to stabilize the 'blades' from distorting at HIGH rpms.

This is not a rope-making device. This is a propeller, and I'd really like to see a proper experiment done measuring energy to thrust ratio. Can't do that in my bathtub, but the guys who make propellers for a living should be able to do it easy enough. Hope someone does.

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