[thedoc (OP)]

This is one of the most beautiful science demos out there and always makes a big impression, creating a pillar of spinning flame and explaining how a hurricane is formed.

 Read more about this experiment.


Garage science is a blog of science experiments you probably can't or shouldn't do at home

 

[johnmuir]

Fascinating experiment!

It must take lots of work to create these very informative articles, so please tell us what software you use to create the graphics...

[daveshorts]

I draw them in Inkscape
www.inkscape.org
I don't know if it is the best tool for the job, but I run linux and it is free.

[johnmuir]

Many thanks and I run Linux as well - doesn't everyone?

[Due]

What is the fuel source for your flame?

[Rodj]

Centrifugal force? Really?
If you're actually going to explain things, don't throw false notions into the mix.
Inertia exists, centrifugal forces do not. They are only a manifestation of inertia in the local reference frame, as such claiming that "they" are doing this or that is highly misleading. Nothing is acting on the mass to throw it out or its orbit.

[daveshorts]

The flame is fueled using fire/BBQ lighting gel, but any hydrocarbon based fuel that burns with a yellow flame will work well

[daveshorts]

Centrifugal force? Really?
If you're actually going to explain things, don't throw false notions into the mix.
Inertia exists, centrifugal forces do not. They are only a manifestation of inertia in the local reference frame, as such claiming that "they" are doing this or that is highly misleading. Nothing is acting on the mass to throw it out or its orbit.

It doesn't exist in a stationary reference frame, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a useful concept. Centrifugal force is perfectly reasonable to use if you are in a rotating reference frame. It is also a useful intuitive shorthand for 'the air is moving rapidly so in order to make it go around a corner you have to apply a large pressure difference' and so I think educationally useful.

[rara]

im doing a fire tornADO FOR MY SCIENCE PROJECT BUT I NEED TO KNOW WHAT SIZE TURNTABLE TO USE....

[Dan]

What kind of mesh cylinder are you using?

[Harsh Singh]

I believe you meant to say centripetal force as opposed to centrifugal force.

[Berr]

It is not the centrifugal force, it is the centripetal force.

The only force acting on an air molecule is the normal force exerted by the mesh, and other air molecules pushing it. This net force causes a centripetal force.

Centripetal force is not a force itself, it is just a name how the net force seems to act in this certain condition

[Gest]

What will change if the diameter of the mesh will be bigger? Will the flame still grew high but thicker?