Figure 7.3 Lift of an Aircraft Wing
Tornado works on the simple principle of creating a swirling air motion or
“Tornado” effect on the incoming air stream. Anytime you make the air move
around an object, or cause it to swirl or spin, there is an increase in air
This is exactly what
generates “Lift” on and aircraft wing, and how the booster works in a
carburetor’s venturi. This is
and is used in conjunction with Newton’s 2nd law.
The Tornado is actually a vortex generator
that can improve the airflow in the intake manifold.
Original Equipment Manufacturers use this technique to improve engine efficiency
in current models. The first example is Ford’s new 3 valve Triton 5.4Liter
engine with variable valve timing.
Ford’s elaborate system uses vortex
generating flaps that are on common shafts operated via a bellcrank which is
connected to a bi-directional DC motor. The motor receives a signal from the PCM
or engine management computer, and activates the shafts to position the vortex
Mercedes-Benz uses a similar setup,
and refers to them as “Tumble Flaps”. Again, nothing more or less than flaps
designed to create a Vortex or swirl the air to improve engine efficiency.
For those “Non-Believers, we have included
some pictures to demonstrate the use of a vortex generator in an O. E. M. intake
manifold. Can you identify the application?
Click on these photos for enlarged view
Bernoulli's Principle page