Fluid dynamics of a tornado-like vortex flow
Abstract
A swirling, converging vortex flow was studied both experimentally and theoretically as a model of tornado flowfields. Laboratory measurements of this vortex flowfield were obtained using Ward's apparatus, and such unique features as the multiple-vortex phenomenon were studied. The turbulent boundary-layer due to this swirling converging vortex flowfield was investigated theoretically by means of Von Karman's integral momentum method. In addition, a recirculating vortex core model was studied. Using a nonequilibrium condensation process as a basis, distinctions between the observed tornado funnel and other aspects of the core flow are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- December 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975PhDT........39P
- Keywords:
-
- Flow Distribution;
- Fluid Dynamics;
- Tornadoes;
- Vortices;
- Boundary Layer Separation;
- Inviscid Flow;
- Turbulent Boundary Layer;
- Von Karman Equation;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer