Hurricane Simulator
University of Florida's team led by Forrest Masters developed “the world's most powerful portable hurricane simulator, a giant machine capable of reproducing winds in excess of 120 mph (190 km/h) and recreating rain.” It consists of eight large fans driven by four diesel engines, with a 5,000-gallon (19,000 litre) water tank to keep the engines cooled. The university is currently designing water-resistant windows, wind-proof tiles and altogether stronger structures.
This machine was used in the MythBusters 2009 season to test the myth that it's better to leave the windows open during a hurricane than closed (the myth was declared Busted).
Read more about this topic: Hurricane Preparedness
Famous quotes containing the word hurricane:
“Staid middle age loves the hurricane passions of opera.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)