Researchers at the University of Miami are using a newly built indoor hurricane simulator that is designed to study the workings and impact of category five storms. While there are other high-speed wind-wave facilities in various institutions including Kyoto University and Imperial College London, this facility takes hurricane testing to a whole other level, and will offer a new understanding of the destructive storms.
Located at the university's School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, this hurricane simulator cost $15 million to build. It is the only wind-wave facility in the world that is capable of generating gales similar to those brutally destructive category five storms, in which winds can hit speeds in excess of 250 km/h.
With hurricane season on the horizon, the timing of this hurricane simulator's inauguration couldn't be any better. The insights that come out of this facility's use will surely save scores of lives going forward.
Indoor Hurricane Simulators
The SUSTAIN Wind-Wave Research Center Creates Brutal Indoor Hurricanes
Trend Themes
1. Indoor Hurricane Simulation - Advancements in indoor hurricane simulation technology create a new understanding of these devastating storms.
2. High-speed Wind-wave Testing - Institutions worldwide invest in high-speed wind-wave testing facilities for a wide range of research and development purposes.
3. Weather Disaster Prevention - Improved hurricane prediction and prevention technologies can help to save lives and resources in high-risk areas.
Industry Implications
1. Meteorology - Meteorological organizations and private weather companies can leverage indoor hurricane simulation technology to improve their predictive models and more accurately forecast severe weather events.
2. Wind Energy - Improved understanding of wind and wave behavior can help wind energy companies design more efficient turbines that can better withstand harsh weather conditions.
3. Insurance - Insurance companies can use hurricane simulation data to more accurately assess risks in high-risk areas, and help individuals and businesses prepare for worst-case scenarios.