Tornado Vortex Simulator

A tornado is a rotating column of air from supercell to ground. Angular momentum conservation accelerates air as it converges, creating extreme pressure deficits.

EF Scale

EF3

Max Wind136 mph

ΔPressure−80 hPa

Vortex Radius120 m

Controls

Wind Speed: 136 mph

Vortex Radius: 120 m

Physics

Angular momentum M = v·r = const

Pressure deficit: ΔP = −ρv²/2

Swirl ratio S controls multi-vortex structure. High S → multiple suction vortices orbit the main funnel, creating the most damage.

Formation

1. Horizontal wind shear → horizontal vorticity
2. Updraft tilts vortex vertical
3. Mesocyclone forms (2–10 km wide)
4. Dynamic pipe effect concentrates rotation
5. Funnel extends to surface