Tornado-like Vortices Research Articles

Physical Modeling of Structure and Dynamics of Concentrated, Tornado-like Vortices (A Review)

Physical modeling is essential for developing the theory of concentrated, tornado-like vortices. Physical modeling data are crucial for interpreting real tornado field measurements and mathematical modeling data. This review focuses on describing and analyzing the results of a physical modeling of the structure and dynamics of tornado-like vortices, which are laboratory analogs of the vortex structures observed in nature (such as “dust devils” and air tornadoes). This review discusses studies on various types of concentrated vortices in laboratory conditions: (i) wall-bounded, stationary, and tornado-like vortices, (ii) wall-free, quasi-stationary, and tornado-like vortices, and (iii) wall-free, non-stationary, and tornado-like vortices. In our opinion, further progress in the development of the theory of non-stationary concentrated tornado-like vortices will determine the possibility of setting up the following studies: conducting experiments in order to study the mechanisms of vortex generation near the surface, determining the factors contributing to the stabilization (strengthening) and destabilization (weakening) of the generated vortices, and to find methods and means of controlling vortices.

Characterization of tornado-induced wind pressures on a multi-span light steel industrial building

This study presents the characteristics of external wind pressures of a multi-span light steel industrial building through wind pressure measurements conducted in a tornado simulator. The test model is designed as a three-span low-rise building with gable roofs according to the practical measured sizes and shapes of the light steel industrial building destroyed in the Shengze tornado, China (2021). The distance from the tornado-like vortex center to the building, building orientation, roof angle, and swirl ratio are considered as experimental parameters. The effects of the parameters on the most unfavorable peak and mean pressure coefficients of each surface are analyzed. The roof zoning specified in ASCE 7–16 was re-analyzed based on the characteristics of wind pressure coefficients, and the tornado design pressure coefficients were calculated. The results of the analysis illustrate that the wind-ward roof surface at a distance of around one vortex core radius from the center experience the most severe pressure coefficient under tornado, the most unfavorable zone of the pressure coefficients on the building roof changes with the building orientation, the model with a smaller roof angle has smoother pressure coefficient contours than that with a larger roof angle because of the cutting effect of the ridge, and the simulated tornado with the lower swirl ratio generate higher external pressure coefficients on the building model. Moreover, the roof zoning in ASCE 7–16 for the boundary layer wind is not precise for tornado, thus an updated roof zoning for the tornado design pressure coefficients is defined.

Streamline curvature effects generated by tornado-like flows on the aerodynamics of a low-rise structure

This paper examines the streamline curvature effects on the aerodynamic pressure patterns induced by tornado-like flows on a low-rise structure. The analysis derives from the detailed scrutiny of a wind tunnel test campaign carried out at the WindEEE Dome tornado simulator. The simulated tornado-like flows were characterized by a swirl ratio such that the cores were characterized by multiple vortices. The tornado-like vortex was slowly translated across the chamber of the simulator. Surface pressure measurements were acquired on both the building model surface and on a circular ground plate around it, and synchronized with velocity measurements gathered from four Cobra probes installed in the proximity of the corners of the structure. These Cobra probes allowed the definition of the tornadic streamlines. Multiple nominally identical repeats were carried out to gather a robust estimation of conditionally-averaged pressure and velocity measurements based on the position of the tornado-like vortex. When comparing different cases characterized by similar conditions of upstream wind direction, the mean aerodynamic pressure patterns were revealed to be sensitive to the streamline curvature. Moreover, these are distinct than those generated from straight-line ABL winds, consistently calibrated upon the measurements from the Cobra probes in the upstream proximity of the building.

Interference effect on super large twin cooling towers exposed to stationary tornado-like vortices

A comprehensive investigation was conducted aiming at the interference effects on wind pressure distribution, aerodynamics characteristics, structural stability and reinforcement areas of super large twin cooling towers exposed to tornado-like vortices, and the effects of swirl ratios of tornados, grouped tower layouts, and relative central distances between the towers and the tornado were analysed based on a tornado-like vortex simulator. Two types of rigid model wind tunnel experiments were constructed for base forces and wind pressure distribution measurements. The experimental results demonstrate that the interference effects on base forces and local wind pressures are significantly influenced by the swirl ratios, central distances, and grouped tower layouts, etc. Moreover, the layout with a tornado located on the side of tandem twin cooling towers (along with the tornado translation direction being perpendicular to the central axis of the tandem combined twin cooling towers) is the most unfavourable, resulting in obvious amplification effects on base forces and local wind pressures compared with an isolated tower, and the maximum of interference factors (IFs) is 1.68 and 1.41 for the along-wind total wind force coefficient and minimal net mean pressure coefficient respectively. Subsequently, local stability indices and time-variant dynamic reinforcement envelopes were selected as the other evaluation criteria for estimating the interference effects on the cooling towers exposed to the tornado-like vortices, and the interference effects result in enlargements of the structural responses with the maximal IF of 1.36 for the inside meridional reinforcement. Finally, the various interference criteria at aerodynamic loading and structural reinforcement aspects were contrastive analysed, showing that the criterion of time-variant dynamic reinforcement area envelopes is a more reasonable criterion for evaluating the interference effects on the super large cooling towers exposed to the tornado-like vortices. This investigation aims to contribute to a better understanding of the wind-related effects of the cooling towers exposed to extreme non-synoptic winds, particularly tornadic vortex impacts.

Effect of tip clearance on non-synchronous propagating flow disturbances of compressor rotors under high aerodynamic loading conditions

The complex tip flow instability and its induced non-synchronous vibration have become significant challenges, especially as aerodynamic loading continues to increase. This study investigates the effects of tip clearance on non-synchronous propagating flow disturbances of compressor rotors under high aerodynamic loading conditions by conducting full-annulus unsteady numerical simulations with three typical tip clearance values for a 1-1/2 stage transonic compressor. The non-synchronous aerodynamic excitation frequency, circumferential mode characteristics, and annular unstable flow structures are analyzed under near stall conditions. The results show that the total pressure ratio and normalized mass flow parameters first increase and then decrease as the tip clearance increases from 0.5%C (where C represents the tip chord length) to 2%C under high aerodynamic loading conditions, instead of constantly decreasing. For the 0.5%C tip clearance case, the traveling large-scale tornado-like separation vortices cause a low non-synchronous aerodynamic excitation frequency and severe pressure fluctuations. The periodic shedding and reattachment processes of the rotor blades separated by 2 – 3 pitches result in 19 dominant mode orders in the circumferential direction. As the tip clearance increases from 1%C to 2%C, the difference of tip flow structures in each blade passage is significantly weakened, and the dominant mode order of the disturbance is equal to the rotor blade-passing number. The pressure fluctuation is mainly caused by cross-channel tip leakage flow, and the aerodynamic excitation frequency exhibits evident broadband hump characteristics, which has been reported as a rotating instability phenomenon.

Relationship between vorticity near the surface and a long-lived vortex raised above it

The ability to predict the behavior of vortices is valuable for solving various scientific problems. One such problem is the evolution of tornado-like vortices near the surface and their connection with the original vortex located at a certain height above the surface. This article considers a two-dimensional axisymmetric hydrodynamic model in which the initial vorticity is maintained by an external force. Using the model, the influence of external force and temperature field on the evolution of vorticity near the surface is studied. It is shown that at relatively short times, the behavior of the resulting tornado-like vortices near the surface is universal and weakly depends on the external force and temperature field. However, over time, this influence becomes significant. It is shown that, depending on the presence of an anomaly in the temperature distribution, the vortex formed at the surface can exist for a long time.

Numerical study of dynamic amplification factor and characteristic wind curves of high-speed train in tornado-like vortices

Tornado-induced railway accidents occurred globally and the risk analysis of high-speed train in tornado-like wind fields is required, particularly in the context of the ongoing development of high-speed rail systems. To study the applicability of Burgers-Rott and Sullivan tornado models, CFD simulations are firstly carried out. It reveals that the Burgers-Rott model can effectively simulate the tangential velocity characteristics of tornado-like vortices up to the two-celled turbulent vortex stage while the Sullivan model is a suitable choice for vortices in the multi-vortex stage. Subsequent analyses delve into the behavior of the dynamic amplification factor (DAF) in tornado-like vortices. The Burgers-Rott model exhibits a higher DAF value when the passing time exceeds 1.5s whereas the dominance of the Sullivan model is evident when the passing time is less than 1.5s. Finally, a linear relationship between characteristic wind curve (CWC) and train speed is noted. This relationship manifests as the characteristic wind speed reaches approximately 30 m/s as the train speed is 150 km/h. It is also noteworthy that the CWC exhibits an upward trajectory as the translational speed of the tornado intensifies. In conclusion, this study serves as a valuable reference for assessing the operational safety of high-speed trains in tornado-like vortices.

A New Pathway for Tornadogenesis Exposed by Numerical Simulations of Supercells in Turbulent Environments

Abstract A simulation of a supercell storm produced for a prior study on tornado predictability is reanalyzed for the purpose of examining the fine-scale details of tornadogenesis. It is found that the formation of a tornado-like vortex in the simulation differs from how such vortices have been understood to form in previous numerical simulations. The main difference between the present simulation and past ones is the inclusion of a turbulent boundary layer in the storm’s environment in the present case, whereas prior simulations have used a laminar boundary layer. The turbulent environment contains significant near-surface vertical vorticity (ζ > 0.03 s−1 at z = 7.5 m), organized in the form of longitudinal streaks aligned with the southerly ground-relative winds. The ζ streaks are associated with corrugations in the vertical plane in the predominantly horizontal, westward-pointing environmental vortex lines; the vortex-line corrugations are produced by the vertical drafts associated with coherent turbulent structures aligned with the aforementioned southerly ground-relative winds (longitudinal coherent structures in the surface layer such as these are well known to the boundary layer and turbulence communities). The ζ streaks serve as focal points for tornadogenesis, and may actually facilitate tornadogenesis, given how near-surface ζ in the environment can rapidly amplify when subjected to the strong, persistent convergence beneath a supercell updraft. Significance Statement In high-resolution computer simulations of supercell storms that include a more realistic, turbulent environment, the means by which tornado-like vortices form differs from the mechanism identified in prior simulations using a less realistic, laminar environment. One possibility is that prior simulations develop intense vortices for the wrong reasons. Another possibility could be that tornadoes form in a wide range of ways in the real atmosphere, even within supercell storms that appear to be similar, and increasingly realistic computer simulations are finally now capturing that diversity.

Effects of tip clearance on non-synchronous aerodynamic excitation of compressor rotor blades

The unstable tip flow of compressor rotor may cause the aeroelastic problems, inducing the non-synchronous vibration with high amplitude level, which has a significant effect on blade high cycle fatigue and safety. In order to investigate the effects of tip clearance on non-synchronous aerodynamic excitation of compressor rotor blades, the full annular numerical simulations were conducted for the unsteady flow field of a 1.5-stage compressor under near stall conditions. The frequency characteristics of non-synchronous aerodynamic excitation and tip unstable flow structure were analysed for different tip clearances (0.5%C, 1.0%C, 2.0%C, and 3.0%C). The results showed that the frequency and amplitude are strongly influenced by the tip clearance size. For 0.5%C tip clearance, the main frequency of non-synchronous aerodynamic excitation is the low-frequency aerodynamic excitation frequency, which is mainly caused by tornado-like vortex in the tip suction side, the dominant aerodynamic disturbance mode number is 19. For 2.0%C and 3.0%C tip clearance, the dominant aerodynamic disturbance mode number is 47, and the main aerodynamic excitation frequency is high frequency non-synchronous aerodynamic excitation frequency, mainly caused by the shedding vortices propagating circumferentially at the blade tip, exhibiting the feature of “rotating instability”.

Flow over a single dimple recessed in a flat plate

Direct numerical simulations have been conducted to investigate a zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer flow over a single shallow dimple. Here, the dimple depth to dimple diameter ratio (d/D) as well as the Reynolds number (based on D and free-stream velocity) are fixed at 0.05 and 20 000, respectively. The effect of inlet boundary layer thickness δ on a given dimple is investigated by considering δ/D∈[0.023,0.1]. The flow within the dimple exhibits either a horseshoe vortex (a continuous core line through the two spirals within the dimple) or a tornado-like vortex pair (discontinuous core line). For the given parameter range, four different flow patterns have been identified within the single dimple: (i) a steady symmetric horseshoe vortex pattern for δ/D∈[0.053,0.1], (ii) a steady asymmetric horseshoe vortex pattern for δ/D=0.04, (iii) a quasi-periodic asymmetric horseshoe vortex pattern for δ/D=0.033, and (iv) a mixed horseshoe and tornado-like vortex pattern for δ/D=0.023. The growth of the streamwise vorticity, mainly caused by the tilting of the vertical vorticity, plays a key role in the transition between the different flow patterns. Dimple-induced velocity streaks above the single dimple have been investigated in detail for the first time, showing four different streaks: (i) a high-speed streak above the dimple, (ii) two side-low-speed streaks located outside the dimple span, (iii) two side-high-speed streaks, and (iv) a mid-low-speed streak in between them. These are mainly caused by a flow acceleration effect and a flow diffuser effect over the dimple, as well as a “lift-up” mechanism within the downstream part of the dimple, tilting the boundary layer upward.

Numerical study on wind-loading characteristics of a high-speed train running over the bridge under tornado-like vortices

With global warming intensifying, weather patterns become more volatile and extremes more common. Tornadoes are the most destructive natural disasters causing significant damage to infrastructure. Meanwhile, high-speed railways now face greater risks from tornado events as the national railway network and mass transit trains expand. Thus, studying the tornado flow characteristics and associated effects on high-speed trains is necessary. A study is presented regarding the wind-loading characteristics of a high-speed train running over a railway bridge induced by a tornado belonging to the future railway network. The wind-loading characteristics analyses are performed using the improved delayed detached eddy simulation method. After verifying the numerical approach and mesh strategy, computational studies are conducted to produce a tornado-like vortex and investigate the tornado-induced wind-loading characteristics of a high-speed train running on the bridge by combining a tornado simulation with a moving mesh technique. For the wind-loading parameters studied herein, the selected train's velocity range is between 50 and 350 km/h, the typical operation speed of either regular or high-speed trains. The numerical results show that the time histories of aerodynamic forces on the train revealed a pattern in tornadic flow variability, the time evolutions of the wind loads on the train were affected by train speeds, and the fluctuation was the greatest when the train ran at 50 km/h. Moreover, the train is subjected to larger aerodynamic forces and moments when it operates along with the rotating vortex flow, especially in the core region, and the train is more dangerous when it runs at a lower speed. The results in this study provide references for assessing operation safety, while a train running on the bridge encounters tornadoes.

Axisymmetric modeling to efficiently simulate tornado-like vortex in Ward-type chamber using OpenFOAM

Axisymmetric modeling to efficiently simulate tornado-like vortex in Ward-type chamber using OpenFOAM

An atmospheric vortex and its induced loading on a bluff body

Atmospheric vortices such as tornadoes are responsible for some of the most extreme winds on Earth and generate tremendous amounts of damage. Characteristics of atmospheric vortices and induced loading in bluff bodies remain largely unknown, presenting a challenge for safe infrastructure design. Experimental and computational studies have investigated loading from tornado-like vortices and design standards are beginning to address tornado loading, however full-scale validation is lacking. For the first time and unprecedented detail, we show the characteristics and the loading induced in a bluff body by an atmospheric vortex (i.e., dust devil). The analysis indicates that vortices load bluff bodies differently than winds in the atmospheric boundary layer and that current design practice may be insufficient to deal with vortex-induced loading. Moreover, it is shown that a feasible way of characterizing vortex phenomena and their effects on bluff bodies can be through dust devil capture.

An analysis of the influence of a generic building on tornadic flow fields using high-frequency PIV and point velocity measurements

The current practice of implementing tornadic wind actions on structures in building codes is not well established compared to atmospheric boundary layer winds. Given there is a lack of velocity measurements in actual tornados close to the surface, there is a body of research that is currently looking into physical simulations of tornado-like vortices (TLVs). Our study contributes to this field of research by looking into the aerodynamic effects a generic building exerts on TLVs that are stationary and positioned above the building. Our study also investigated the differences among two distinctively different velocity measurement techniques in TLV flows—Cobra probe and particle image velocimetry (PIV). We further examine how different TLV intensities affect the results by considering TLVs that correspond to (Enhanced Fujita) EF1- and EF2-rated tornadoes in the atmosphere. We show that the velocity fluctuations in Cobra probe records are higher than in PIV measurements despite both velocity records being sampled at 200 Hz. The discrepancy is due to the inherent spatial filtering used in PIV data processing. A larger discrepancy between the two measurement techniques was observed in the EF1 TLV. The presence of the building affected EF1 more than EF2 TLV due to the larger core diameter of the latter vortex. The diameter of the circumference of the maximum tangential velocity in EF1 and EF2 TLVs undisturbed by the building was 1.6 and 2.1 times larger than the diagonal length of the building. By comparing our results against prior research on the same TLVs, but without a building in the flow, we concluded that the building had the strongest effect in amplifying vertical velocity in the EF2 TLV. The significance of this result to wind loading and structural responses requires further wind engineering analyses. The circular symmetry of EF1 was more affected than in EF2 TLV due to its smaller size relative to the building.

Using Ensemble Sensitivity Analysis to Identify Storm Characteristics Associated with Tornadogenesis in High-Resolution Simulated Supercells

Abstract This study aims to objectively identify storm-scale characteristics associated with tornado-like vortex (TLV) formation in an ensemble of high-resolution supercell simulations. An ensemble of 51 supercells is created using Cloud Model version 1 (CM1). The first member is initialized using a base state populated by the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) proximity sounding near El Reno, Oklahoma, on 24 May 2011. The other 50 ensemble members are created by randomly perturbing the base state after a supercell has formed. There is considerable spread between ensemble members, with some supercells producing strong, long-lived TLVs, while others do not produce a TLV at all. The ensemble is analyzed using the ensemble sensitivity analysis (ESA) technique, uncovering storm-scale characteristics that are dynamically relevant to TLV formation. In the rear flank, divergence at the surface southeast of the TLV helps converge and contract existing vertical vorticity, but there is no meaningful sensitivity to rear-flank outflow temperature. In the forward flank, warm temperatures within the cold pool are important to TLV production and magnitude. The longitudinal positioning of strong streamwise vorticity is also a clear indicator of TLV formation and strength, especially within 5 min of when the TLV is measured. Significance Statement Tornadoes that form in supercell thunderstorms (long-lived storms with a rotating updraft) are heavily influenced by the features created by the storm itself, such as the temperature of a downdraft. In this study, many different iterations of a strong supercell thunderstorm are simulated, in which tornado-like features are formed at different times with widely different strengths. A statistical method is used to identify what the storms had in common when they produced a tornado-like feature, and what they had in common when one failed to form. This study is important because it highlights which storm features are most influential to tornado formation using an objective method, with results that can be used when observing supercells in the field.

Numerical study of wind loads on the streamlined bridge deck in the translating tornado-like vortex

Wind load is one of the key factors affecting the structural safety of long-span bridges. However, the tornado-induced load on the streamlined bridge deck is rarely studied and the influence of the translation of tornado vortices has not been considered. This study develops a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to simulate the translating tornado-like vortex (TLV) to investigate the tornado-induced load on the streamlined bridge deck. First, the numerical method for simulating a translating TLV is introduced and the model of the streamlined bridge deck of a kilometer-level bridge is constructed and verified. The characteristics of the flow field around the bridge deck are then analyzed. Finally, the lift force, drag force, and torsional force on the bridge deck in the translating TLV are investigated and compared with those in the straight-line wind field and the stationary TLV. The non-dimensional forces obtained in the translating TLV are provided as a reference for calculating the tornado-induced load on a streamlined bridge deck. The result shows that the wind load on the bridge deck in the TLV changes along the spanwise direction, which is significantly different from that in the straight-line wind field. In the translating TLV, the bridge deck sustains the lift force induced by the updraft and the drag force induced by the translating velocity. The load on the bridge deck in the translating TLV is significantly larger than that in the straight-line wind and the stationary TLV, which indicates that the translation effects of tornadoes should not be ignored.

Experimental Investigation on the Influence of Swirl Ratio on Tornado-like Flow Fields by Varying Updraft Radius and Inflow Angle

The swirl ratio is the most critical parameter for determining the intensity and structure of tornado-like vortex, defined as the ratio of angular momentum to radial momentum. The angle of entry flow and the updraft radius are two key parameters affecting the swirl ratio. Many laboratory simulators have studied the effect of swirl ratio by changing the angle of entry flow, but there is a lack of research on the updraft radius. Therefore, for a deep sight of the impact of the updraft radius on the swirl ratio and tornado-like vortex, a laboratory tornado simulator capable of adjusting the updraft radius was designed, built, and tested. And, the effects of various swirl ratios caused by the updraft radius and the angle of entry flow on the tornado-like vortices were investigated, in terms of the dual-celled vortex transformation and vortex wandering. It was found that the effects of the updraft radius and the angle of turning vanes on the tornado-like vortices are quite different, and the formation of the dual-celled vortex is more sensitive to the updraft radius, because a larger angular momentum and axial pressure gradient can be provided. In addition, increasing the updraft radius has a greater inhibitory effect on the vortex wandering phenomenon compared to the angle of the turning vanes due to the flow fluctuations induced by turbulence.

Mathematical Modeling of Structure and Dynamics of Concentrated Tornado-like Vortices: A Review

Mathematical modeling is the most important tool for constructing the theory of concentrated tornado-like vortices. A review and analysis of computational and theoretical works devoted to the study of the generation and dynamics of air tornado-like vortices has been conducted. Models with various levels of complexity are considered: a simple analytical model based on the Bernoulli equation, an analytical model based on the vorticity equation, a new class of analytical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations for a wide class of vortex flows, and thermodynamic models. The approaches developed to date for the numerical simulation of tornado-like vortices are described and analyzed. Considerable attention is paid to developed approaches that take into account the two-phase nature of tornadoes. The final part is devoted to the analysis of modern ideas about the tornado, concerning its structure and dynamics (up to the breakup) and the conditions for its occurrence (tornadogenesis). Mathematical modeling data are necessary for interpreting the available field measurements while also serving as the basis for planning the physical modeling of tornado-like vortices in the laboratory.

A numerical investigation of debris initialisation in tornado-like wind fields

The process of debris initialisation is examined for two tornado-like vortices with swirl ratios (S) of 0.3 and 0.7. The vortices were modelled using Large-eddy Simulation and the motion of spherical debris were calculated using Lagrangian-particle tracking. A total of 2700 individual debris particles, corresponding to three different groups (A, B and C) with different Tachikawa numbers (K=2.5, 1.2 and 0.6 respectively) were released. The vortex S=0.7 has greater magnitude of tangential velocity (∼12.7 m/s) compared to vortex S=0.3 (∼11.7 m/s). The corresponding maximum vertical velocities in the flow when S=0.3 were approximately twice those corresponding to S=0.7; this resulted in longer flight durations for debris group A, B and C, i.e., 65%, 73% and 58% longer respectively. An analysis of the spatial displacement of the vortex centre relative to the centre of the simulator shows that both vortices have a maximum displacement of less than 0.02 m. This suggests that the low wandering motions of the vortices have minimum effect on the debris initialisation. The vertical velocity component is shown to be key for the generation and sustaining of debris flight. For example, for S=0.3, approximately 22% (group A), 5% (group B) and 10% (group C) more particles were being initialised compared to S=0.7. The ensemble averaged flow fields associated with flight initiation show the greatest difference at low elevation (less than 0.11 m) compared to non-initialising conditions. It was also found that the tangential and radial velocity components have relatively little impact on flight initialisation. The findings presented in this research provide a fundamental insight into the physics which govern debris initialisation in tornado-like flow.

Numerical study of flow characteristics of tornado-like vortices considering both swirl ratio and aspect ratio

Flow characteristics of tornado-like vortices are primarily influenced by the swirl ratio and aspect ratio. This study systematically investigates effects of these two essential parameters on vortex visualization, mean flow fields, and fluctuations by large eddy simulations (LES). The geometric dimensions of a tornado-like vortex simulator are characterized by the inner cylinder radius and floor height. The former affects the core radii where maximum tangential velocities occur, as well as the vortex type which is used to separate flow structures while the latter influences the vortex type. Furthermore, the ratios of flow characteristics of tornado-like vortices, such as radial distances where the maximum tangential and radial velocities occur, to the inner cylinder radius (RV.max/r0; RU.max/r0, Rc/r0) have a high correlation with the swirl ratio. The ratios of heights where the maximum tangential and radial velocities occur to the floor heights (ZV.max/H0; ZU.max/H0) are mainly related to the aspect ratio. These parameters can be expressed by the swirl ratio and aspect ratio with high R-squared values of 0.941, 0.794, 0.984, 0.964, 0.958. Finally, vortex types can be modeled as a function of both swirl ratio and aspect ratio. This study reveals the relationship between the simulator geometry and generated vortices.