Video of Tornado-like Vortex on Top of a Freely Flying Maple Seed (VIDEO)
Caption
Smoke particles illuminated with laser light around a freely flying maple seed reveal a prominent leading edge vortex. The visualization of the leading edge vortex on this and 31 other specimens of maple seeds show that the robotic model maple seeds accurately predicted the presence of a strong tornado-like vortex on top of maple seed wings, that elevates the lift generated by autorotating plant seeds and increases their dispersal distance from the tree.
Credit
Movie courtesy of David Lentink
Usage Restrictions
credit must be given as "Movie courtesy of David Lentink" (Please contact David Lentink for questions about broadcast quality video: david.lentink@wur.nl)
License
Licensed content