Video of Tornado-like Vortex on Top of a Freely Flying Maple Seed (VIDEO)

California Institute of Technology

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

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.