Patent Application
20150327448
This invention relates to areas of tornado disaster prevention, especially to a device used for interrupting tornado.
Tornado usually occurs in unstable, high temperature and humid air mass, the temperature difference causes the rapid drop of cold air and the speedy rise of hot air, then strong air convection will generate a strong wind vortex with a high-speed rotating funnel-shape cloud column.
Tornado is generation of thunderstorm in cloud, to be specific, tornado is a form of energy that released intensively in a small area from the part of tremendous energy of thunderstorm. The generation of tornado could be divided into 4 steps:
(1). The instability of atmosphere generates strong upwind, which will be strengthen by the effects of peak transit flow in supercritical flow.
(2). The upwind begins to rotate in the middle of troposphere after interacting with the wind which has shear transformation on velocity and direction in vertical direction, then turn into mesocyclone.
(3). With the development to ground and sky, the mesocyclone turn to slender shape and be stronger. Meanwhile, an air enhancement in a small area will generate a cyclone, and then turn into the core of tornado.
(4). The rotation of tornado core is different from that of cyclone, it is strong enough to make tornado extend to ground. When the developing vortex reaches ground, the pressure on ground decrease rapidly, and wind speed rise sharply, finally the vortex turn into tornado.
To analyze from electric field—one formation condition of tornado: only huge cumulonimbus could generate tornado, in the process of discharging between cloud and sky, the positive charge on top of cloud is far more than negative charge under cloud, after charge neutralization of lightning, there is lack of negative charge under cloud, and the cloud with a large number of positive charge will generate strong electric field between cloud and earth. Under the effect of electrostatic attraction, the cloud with positive charge will extend to earth, then the atmosphere with negative charge will be gathered for charge neutralization. Finally, there will be a funnel cloud, with high speed rotating atmosphere, generated from bottom of cumulonimbus.
The cumulonimbus will extend to earth or sea rapidly if there is enough positive charge in cloud, then the tornado will come when it reach ground or water surface. The tornado is one kind of flow forming from cloud which carries plenty of positive charge, there is a strong electric field between cloud and earth. Although the electric field is not strong enough to generate lightning, it could cause powerful negative ions flow on earth or sea, after generation of negative ions flow, the air rises sharply and produces an area of low pressure, and ambient air would be gathered to this area, then took up by the negative ions flow. In this way, the pressure in the tornado bottom getting lower, and wind speed getting faster.
Tornado is one of the strongest vortex phenomenon in atmosphere, and has strong effect of sucking. The ambient air rotates around axis of tornado quickly, under the attraction of pressure decease from tornado core, air would be sucked into vortex bottom near the earth in a dozens of meters thick layer, then become the upward vortex around the tornado axis. The pressure in tornado center is ten percent lower than that of ambient air, and always reach 400 HPa, even 200 HPa.
United States is a tornado-prone area. Geology Professor Randy from Arizona State University explained that there are 80% to 90% tornado occurs in America from world wide range. There are 5 tornado on average occurs every day, and for years there will be 1000 to 2000 tornado, especially in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. American tornado is not only known as quantity, but also strength, so this make America be ‘hometown of tornado’.
Tornado is a kind of catastrophic climate, which contain a large amount of energy. When the diameter of funnel vortex reach 200 meters, its cyclone power could be 30000 MW, equals to 10 large hydropower station's total electricity capacity. At the moment, the main method to defense tornado disaster are focus on monitor and prediction, however, there is lack of man-made interference to reduce the power of tornado.
The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for reducing and interrupting tornado, and we use the following technology for this purpose.
A method of weakening tornado includes:
A. Provide plenty of non-fixed turbolators, called free turbolators;
B. Provide plenty of turbolators fixed on free ropes, called free turbolator strings;
C. Provide plenty of turbolators fixed on ropes installed on storage boxes at lease in one spot, called swinging turbolator strings;
D. Install free turbolators, free turbolator strings and swinging turbolator strings, in order to reduce energy of tornado cyclone.
Further description includes:
E. Connect free turbolator strings and/or swinging turbolator strings to be net structure.
Further description includes:
F. Gather free turbolators, free turbolator strings and swinging turbolator strings previously.
Further more, turbolators are made of lightweight materials.
Further more, turbolators are made of sulative materials.
Further more, turbolator barycenters do not coincide with geometric center.
Further more, turbolators have different shapes, sizes and mass.
Further more, turbolator surfaces are rough.
Further more, there are three types of turbolators, including solid turbolators and/or hollow tubolators and/or inflatable turbolators.
Further more, turbolators are made of soft materials.
Further more, turbolators fixed on ropes are chosen randomly.
The other purpose of this invention is to provide a device for weakening tornado based on the above method.
A device for weakening tornado includes:
Plenty of non-fixed and independent turbolators, called free turbolators;
Plenty of turbolators fixed on several free ropes, called free turbolator strings;
Plenty of turbolators fixed on ropes installed on storage boxes at lease in one spot, called swinging turbolator strings;
Install free turbolators, free turbolator strings and swinging turbolator strings at proper area.
Further more, free turbolator strings and/or swinging turbolator strings are connected to be net structure.
Further more, free turbolators, free turbolator strings and swinging turbolator strings are gathered and put in storage boxes.
Further more, there are automatic and manual cover on storage boxes.
Further more, turbolators are lightweight.
Further more, turbolators are insulated.
Further more, turbolator barycenters do not coincide with geometric centers.
Further more, turbolators have different shapes, sizes and mass.
Further more, turbolators have rough surfaces.
Further more, there are three types of turbolators, including solid turbolators and/or hollow tubolators and/or inflatable turbolators.
Further more, turbolators are made of soft materials.
Further more, turbolators fixed on ropes are chosen randomly.
The device described in this invention includes storage boxes installed in tornado-prone areas and many lightweight turbolators whose barycenters are in and not in geometric center, so that the turbolators could be blew out of boxes easily and make air movement irregular, and then break the regular swirling movement of tornado. On the other hand, the increased surface roughness will improve wind resistance, then further enhance the destructive power of tornado cyclone. The turbolators are made in lightweight materials in order to ensure the safety for construction and human.
The tornado is one kind of downward flow forming from cloud which carries plenty of positive charge, there is a strong electric field between cloud and earth. Although the electric field is not strong enough to generate lightning, it could cause powerful negative ions flow on earth or sea.
The lightweight turbolators are all made by materials of good insulation properties, and every one is part of turbolators net which could isolate the electric field amount tornado. Assume electric field intensity as E, and the reduction formula is E=Q/4πεε0r2, from which we could know that the material with high dielectric coefficient has high effect on electric field intensity.
The generation, expansion, decline and extinction of tornado are all regular, so we could use them to weaken tornado by realizing its necessary and sufficient condition, especially in the initial stage of tornado which contain insufficient energy.
The device is safe and low-cost, could weaken part of tornado, and prevent the generation and strength of tornado effectively, then decrease the disaster caused by tornado.
There are figures provided to describe embodiment of this invention further. These figures are parts of contents for explain principle of embodiment in this invention. By consulting the explanation, technicians in this field could understand other modes of embodiment and advancements of this invention. The components in figures are not drawn in real scale, similar components are often denoted by similar symbols.
Further description using figures and embodiment:
The track of tornado is generally a spiral, first, there are some hypothesis as follows.
Assume tornado as a particle stream, and its movement as moving coordinate, and the object A (the turbolators described in this invention) amount tornado as moving point. The moving point moves in spiral and spin mode when the it is still involved in tornado. Decompose the spiral movement into circling motion in XY plane and rectilinear motion in Z plane. We make some simple analysis of force using moving point as research subject.
In Z direction, there is lift force Fz caused by air pressure difference. The turbolator is affected by pressure-gradient force Fp. The air pressure is extremely low in the bottom of tornado, and increase gradually from bottom to top, so Fp points down. The velocity differences exist in different locations in tornado field, so the turbolator in this field is also affected by Saffman lift force Fsz. From the microcosmic, there are innumerable irregular vortexes in tornado field which contains turbulent flow, and the magnitude and direction of Fsz are changing every second, therefore, the reacting force from turbolator will partly block the regular motion of tornado. Assume the gravity of turbolator as G, the mass as M, the resultant force in Z direction as Fz0, according to Newton's law:
F
z0
=ma
z
=F
z
−G−F
p
+F
sz (1)
In the direction of gravity, due to the imbalance wind, turbolator has spin motion, and assume rotational inertial as J, angular acceleration as αz′, and torque as M1, then:
M1=Jαz′ (2)
On the other hand, the air from different sides of object brings the Magnus force Fm on turbolator. Due to its irregular spin motion, turbolator would break internal vortexes, then decrease the strength of tornado.
In XY plane, moving point act as circling motion, then there is M=Ja, where M is generated by the air pressure difference of moving point, J is the moment of inertial, and a is angular acceleration.
In radial direction of XY plane, due to pressure difference, there is outward force F1 on the windward side of moving point, and inward force F2 on the leeward side, assume an as normal acceleration, Fn as normal resultant force, according to Newton's law.
F
n
=ma
n
=F2−F1 (3)
When F1>F2, moving point act as centrifugal movement; when F1<F2, the point act as centered motion. The high-mass turbolator is affected by centrifugal force and thrown out of tornado funnel easily, then dragged into funnel by rope fixed on box, in this way, turbolator will interrupt regular motion to some extent. The low-mass turbolator is affected by centripetal force and staying in funnel to increase wind resistance and consume tornado energy.
In tangential direction of XY plane, aτ is tangential acceleration caused by change of angular velocity of circular motion, Fτ is tangential resultant force caused by pressure difference on sides of turbolator so there is:
Fτ=maτ (4)
The turbolator moves in different position because of wind pressure difference, interrupts spin regulation, blocks tornado movement and consume its energy. There is pressure dynamic—ρv2/2, on sides of turbolator, and side pressure is F=CL* ρv2/2*S*ζ, from which we can see that windward area S and resistance coefficient CL are the influence factors of side pressure which affect the positions of turbolator. If we consider countless moving points as one point, then the synergism of large point would consume energy of tornado.
Due to the relative movement, there is momentum transfer between turbolator and air. There is also drag force on turbolator surface, the randomness and large roughness would reduce the movement of air.
The peripheral wind speed can reach 100-200 m/s, the internal wind speed can reach 200-300 m/s, so turbolator is affected by pressure resistance in high-speed fluid, and with the increasment of moving speed, the pressure resistance will increase to react on air motion.
If we extend one turbolator to millions and connect them together to be turbolator group, wind resistance would be enhanced, so that there is possibility to interrupt the regular air movement and consume air energy, then could further interrupt tornado.
According to the analysis above, this invention public a method for weakening tornado. A. Provide plenty of non-fixed turbolators, called free turbolators. B. Provide plenty of turbolators fixed on free ropes, called free turbolator strings. C. Provide plenty of turbolators fixed on ropes installed on storage boxes at lease in one spot, called swinging turbolator strings D. Install free turbolators, five turbolator strings and swinging turbolator strings, in order to reduce energy of tornado cyclone.
In additional, E. Connect free turbolator strings and/or swinging turbolator strings to be net structure. F. Gather free turbolators, free turbolator strings and swinging turbolator strings previously.
Regarding to step A, turbolators are made of lightweight materials. “Lightweight materials” is opposite to heavy materials, means objects made of Low Specific Gravity materials. It is essential to ensure these lightweight turbolators be blew out to the air under certain wind strength (for instance, 8 level of above). Furthermore, turbolators are made of insulating materials, in order to isolate electric field and reduce electric energy. The insulativity of turbolators meets the requirement of insulator (10 ̂9−10̂22 Ω·m). The best options are: turbolator barycenters do not coincide with geometric centers; turbolators are sorted into three types, solid turbolators, hollow turbolators and inflatable turbolators; turbolators are made of soft materials.
Regarding to step B, the method of fixing turbolators to ropes could be any means by modern technology, such as bondage, using fixture and/or injection molding. Meanwhile, turbolators fixed on ropes randomly have different shapes, sizes and mass, so could largely reduce tornado energy known from description above). Due to the randomness of fixture, the configuration on each rope is different from others, energy consumption could be enhanced. Moreover, “rope” means flexible, rope-like objects with certain length, not linked to any special rope in normal life.
Regarding to step C, fix one free rope end and left entire rope to swing freely. However, any spot of rope could be fixed, for instance, fix the middle spot to make two free swing ropes, although the rope length is reduced. There are other methods to fix, as long as at lease one spot of ropes is fixed. Usually, ropes are fixed in tornado-prone areas, including suburban areas, open fields, glass fields, lakes, coastal areas etc. The spots for rope installation could be any of certain devices (this will be described below), earth surface, tall windbreak trees and/or evaluated areas etc.
Regarding to step E, the purpose of connecting free turbolator strings and/or swinging turbolator strings to be net structure is to reduce tornado energy by letting turbolator strings move irregularly in tornado funnel.
Regarding to step F, the purpose of gathering free turbolators, free turbolator strings and swinging turbolator strings in storage boxes is as follows: turbolators and ropes take too much space to settle, so gather them into boxes previously, then open box covers automatically or manually until tornado coming, in order to save space. For example, put these free turbolators, flee turbolator strings and swinging turbolator strings in storage boxes, there are opening devices (automatically by electric power and/or manually by wind power) installed on storage boxes.
All the turbolators, including non-fixed turbolators, free turbolator strings fixed on free ropes, swinging turbolator strings fixed on ropes installed on storage boxes, are for weakening tornado energy. In additional, step A to step F could not be in order.
According to description above, this invention also public a device for weakening tornado. There is a embodiment of this device shown in
Preferred, storage boxes 1 are installed in tornado-prone areas.
Preferred, turbolators are all made of lightweight materials, and their barycenters do not coincide with geometric centers.
These turbolators with rough surface have different shapes, sizes and mass, and three different types: solid turbolators and/or hollow tubolators and/or inflatable turbolators.
For instance, solid turbolators could be foam, including polyethylene (PE), polyprolene (PP), polyurethane (PU), polystyrene PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) etc. Hollow turbolators could be modified plastic foam, such as PE, PP PU, PS, PET, PVC, ABS etc. Inflatable turbolators could be made of nylon fabric, polyester fabric, cotton polyester, rubber plastic foils or paper materials with different thickness.
Lightweight turbolators described above are made of PE, PP, PU, PS, PVC, ABS, nylon fabric, polyester fabric, cotton polyester, rubber plastic foils or paper materials. because of their light weigh and good insulativity, turbolators could isolate electric field between clouds and earth, so as to reduce electric strength and weaken electric power. On the other hand, human and construction would not be harmed by tubolators because of the soil light materials.
The shapes of ever lightweight turbolators 2, whose barycenters deviate from geometric center, include multilateral irregular triangular prism, circular cone, multilateral irregular cone, deformative polyhedron, fan blade shape, hang gliding shape, spiral shape, kite shape or bowl shape. In this way, the turbolators move as irregular motion and may interrupt regular spin motion of tornado. If there are enough turbolators using in the original stage of tornado, it maybe possible to interrupt tornado and prevent some disaster.
Some lightweight turbolators are connected together by ropes made of tensile fibers, includes modified polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon wire or hemp rope. The dotted line in
There are several sensors (not shown in figures) for testing wind speed, wind force and wind direction in storage boxes 1 which have manual and automatic covers 12 and plenty of air holes 11 to ensure that turbolators 2 would be blew out easily.
The devices are installed in tornado-prone areas, including suburban areas, fields, grasslands, lakes and coastal areas, when the inner sensors detect the tornado, the box covers 12 will open automatically or in manual. The dotted line in
After consuming tornado energy, inflatable air bags shrink and fall rapidly, solid core and hollow heart turbolators fall to ground directly, so these could be recycling easily. The turbolators 2 are made by lightweight materials to prevent the injury and damage to people and buildings.
The embodiment described above is only the best scenario, however, the protection not only contain this embodiment, but also other scenarios, for example, turbolators could be gathered in boxes, or fixed to tall windbreak trees, and boxes could be installed on high bracket.
This invention description consist of better embodiment and scenarios, technicians in this field must realize that any detail changes and replacements in the protection range of this invention should be under protection.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201410209868.2 | May 2014 | CN | national |
| 201510171967.0 | Apr 2015 | CN | national |
