A Laboratory Simulation of Convective Vortices

Abstract

An experiment has been constructed which yields a vortex flow similar in many respects to atmospheric dust devils. Measurements were made of air velocity and temperature in the vortex core. These results were compared with a theoretical model of the flow, with velocities measured in real dust devils, and with the results of previous researchers who used a non-convective vortex. Observations were made of the different types of vortex flows found in the chamber and their dependence on the controlling parameters.