Enormous whirlpools are not simply the work of overactive imaginations. There are several spots in the world, including Japan’s Naruto Strait, that regularly see these spectacular vortices. Naruto’s whirlpools are Keep reading
Tag: vortex
Swirling Vortex
So much of fluid dynamics comes down to finding the right way to observe a flow. This image of a swirling tropical system was captured by an astronaut aboard the Keep reading
Reader Question: Inside a Vortex
Reader embersofkymillo asks: Hey FYFD, could you do some analysis/explanations behind the physics of this vortex stuff? I love when you do spots on Slow Mo Guys vids and figured Keep reading
Tornado from a Drone
One of the challenges in studying tornadoes is being in the right place at the right time. In that regard, storm chaser Brandon Clement hit the jackpot earlier this week Keep reading
Enormous Ice Disk
We’ve seen spinning ice disks before, but this month Westbrook, Maine has developed the largest one I’ve ever seen. A research paper from 2016 indicates that this seemingly alien formation spins Keep reading
Stall with Pitching Foils
For a fixed-wing aircraft, stall – the point where airflow around the wing separates and lift is lost – is an enemy. It’s the precursor to a stomach-turning freefall for Keep reading
In the Eye of a Hurricane
Although eyes are common at the center of large-scale cyclones, scientists are only now beginning to understand how they form. Since real-world cyclogenesis is complicated by many competing effects, researchers Keep reading
Fluid Black Holes
Fluid systems can sometimes serve as analogs for other physical phenomena. For example, bouncing droplets can recreate quantum effects and a hydraulic jump can act like a white hole. In Keep reading
Vortex Reconnection
In slow motion, vortex rings can be truly stunning. This video shows two bubble rings underwater as they interact with one another. Upon approach, the two low-pressure vortex cores link Keep reading
How Smoke Rings Work
Vortices are a ubiquitous part of life, whether they’re draining down your bathtub or propelling underwater robots. In the latest video from the Lib Lab project, you can learn about Keep reading