Vortex ring toys

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A vortex ring is a rolling donut of fluid which is moving through another fluid. A smoke ring is a common example of a vortex ring. Because of the way they are rotating, a vortex ring can hold itself together and travel for quite a distance.

1 Vortex ring toys
2 Vortex ring generators you can make
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Vortex ring toys

The most common vortex toy works by expelling a quantity of air from the toy in such a way as to create a vortex ring. The energy from this vortex is transferred between air particles, in effect moving the vortex downrange, but without forcing the air that was initially displaced through the atmosphere (this condition would greatly reduce the toy's effectiveness). Upon striking an object, the ring proceeds to pummel the target with a short, brief burst of swirling wind as the vortex dissipates. An interesting demonstration of the airflow pattern of a vortex ring toy can be made by having a smoker blow a smoke cloud into the toy prior to it being fired. The smoke will travel in the vortex, making a very large smoke ring. Some toys, such as the Zero Blaster, are built with a smoke generator in the toy, with the purpose being to blow smoke rings. You may use dry ice or steam as appropriate.

[edit] Vortex ring generators you can make

You can make a vortex ring generator by:

cutting a round hole in the base of a bucket
placing film over the top of the bucket (like a drum).

You can then make a vortex ring by holding the bucket and hitting the drum. You can use this vortex ring generator to blow out a candle up to 6 or 7 metres away.