TERRE HAUTE —
Few forces of nature cause more damage than a tornado, and getting to the bottom of those storms is one Rose-Hulman professor’s goal.
In July, Fred Haan returns to Iowa State University for a summer of collaborative research about the structural impact of winds and what can be done to make buildings more resistant.
The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology professor of mechanical engineering has served as collaborative faculty with Iowa State projects for the last 10 years, and he said this interest stems back to a childhood mixture of fascination and fear.
Haan’s work was recently featured in a USA Today article about research aimed at making buildings stronger. Among other projects, he works with a tornado simulator and 5-inch-tall model houses to test for loads.
“It doesn’t take building a concrete house to make it more wind resistant,” he said last week inside his office at Rose-Hulman.
After witnessing the disastrous impact of storms such as those which leveled Joplin, Mo., many people assume tornadoes are simply too powerful to withstand, he said. But 90 percent of tornadoes are EF2 or less, with wind speeds ranging between 110 and 135 miles per hour. That’s roughly the equivalent of a hurricane, Haan remarked, and people don’t simply give up building along the coasts.
The “monster” storm which hit Joplin was an EF5, which is a category of tornadoes where wind speeds exceed 200 miles per hour, he said.
Those are indeed tough to build in preparation for, but the research he’s working on could be used to construct hospitals and power plants which need to be protected, he said.
On his desk was a small box full of pressure sensors he explained fit into the small model houses they develop. In addition to computer modeling, the group uses a tornado simulator to blast over the houses and record the data. Another project in which the group is working involves the speeds and impact of debris which flies about during the storms, he said.
In some cases, better construction practices can make a big difference, he said. The manner in which a roof is connected to a house’s trusses, and the trusses to the walls, can determine whether the structure flies apart or not under various winds, he said.
In a tornado, the speed of the side winds isn’t nearly as problematic as the vortex, he said.
A house can withstand a great deal of wind from the sides, but the forces of the vortex, which suck the roof right up and off the house, are “significantly higher in the tornado” than a hurricane, he said.
Those forces sucking up from the bottom can be as much as two to three times more powerful than the straight winds, he said.
Haan said he’s proud of the volume of engineering numbers his group has produced as they continue to test loads and make recommendations on building practices.
Still, the biggest mystery about tornadoes is what’s going on at the bottom.
Predicting when and where tornadoes will strike is tough enough and getting radar equipment up close is equally problematic, he said. But even when one does get equipment close, trees and other structures often block out the bottom 30 feet or so. Some models suggest that the wind speeds of a tornado should be slower at the bottom than the top, but Haan said other models lean the other way, indicating that wind speeds near the ground are incredibly fast and destructive.
The best way to find out is more research, and Haan said he’ll be taking an undergraduate along with him to Iowa State next month.
In the meantime, tornado season officially ended in May, but Haan pointed out that every state in America and every month of the year have been hit by at least one over the years.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
News
Related Photos
-
Researching tornadoes: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology professor Fred Haan has had a great interest in tornadoes since childhood — an interest he has channeled into research. Tribune-Star/ Jim Avelis
-
Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Models: Rose-Hulman Mechanical Engineering professor Fred Haan talks about the work he�ll do this summer at Iowa State University. He will be studying the effects of tornadoes on structures, particularly the force of the wind, rather than the effects of wind borne debris.
-
Photo courtesy of Fred Haan Vortex: This machine at Iowa State University will help Fred Haan simulate the effects of tornadoes on structures.
-
Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Test gear: Fred Haan talks with Tribune-Star reporter Bruian Boyce abouth his studies regarding the effects of tornadoes on structures. In the foreground is a manifold used to check air pressure at several points.
-
Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Models: Rose-Hulman Mechanical Engineering professor Fred Haan talks about the work he�ll do this summer at Iowa State University. He will be studying the effects of tornadoes on structures, particularly the force of the wind, rather than the effects of wind borne debris.
Discussion
Prof’s study of tornado resistance could help protect buildings, lives
- News
-
-
Kindergartner diagnosed with MD treated to a day with the fire department
“He’ll just never forget this day,” Stacey Manley said, a little bit tearfully, as she watched her smiling 6-year-old son Carter sitting happily in the captain’s seat of Fire Engine 2.
-
Casey, Illinois aims for another world record
The town of Casey, Ill., may soon weave its way into the record books as the small town with the most world records. After setting records for the world’s largest wind chimes and the world’s largest golf tee, Casey is now looking to become home to the world’s largest knitting needles and crochet hook.
-
Rose-Hulman projects will promote growth, learning for people with physical challenges
Life changed dramatically for college engineering student Drew Christy on Feb. 22, 2008 when he was involved in an auto accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury.
-
‘500’ gas stations being sold to Speedway LLC
After several decades in business, the area’s familiar “500” gasoline stations and convenience stores will soon be missing from the roadsides of Vigo and Sullivan counties.
-
Terre Haute woman faces 14 charges
A Terre Haute woman faces 14 criminal counts after her arrest Friday on drug-related charges.
-
Two adults injured in ATV accident
Two adults were injured Sunday evening while riding an all-terrain vehicle near Lexington Farms Subdivision off Moyer Drive in southern Vigo County.
-
Vigo schools’ medical claims down more than $10M
The Vigo County School Corp.’s medical claims were about $13 million over the last 12 months, down 4 percent from the prior year, said Diane Titchenell, an Anthem account manager that works with the school district.
-
2013 Government Directory now available
The 2013 Government Directory is now available.
-
Life-Size Ping Pong: Valley pickleball tourney draws large crowd to Brittlebank Park
It’s been described as “ping pong on steroids.”
Some people call it “life-size ping pong where you stand on the table.” -
Boat trip aims to raise awareness about Lewy Body Dementia
In 2013, the Year of the River, it makes sense to link a grand adventure on the Wabash River with a good cause.
-
Legislature had little taste for alcohol bills
When it comes to alcohol, the 2013 legislative session may be marked more by what it didn’t do to boost booze sales than what it did.
-
STATE OF THE STATEHOUSE: Is it regulation that doesn’t make sense or evening the playing field?
I’m not much of a drinker, so I haven’t spent much time thinking about how Indiana’s alcohol laws personally impact me, but that changed last fall when my daughter got married.
-
For Piper: Annual ‘Rush the Punter’ event dedicated to Dixie Bee student who died Wednesday after a short illness
Steve Weatherford’s “Rush the Punter” fundraiser at Fairbanks Park on Saturday was dedicated to a little girl who lost her life unexpectedly to pneumonia.
-
Vigo schools prepare to tighten belts
State funding for the Vigo County School Corp. will remain “pretty flat” for the next two years, said Donna Wilson, chief financial officer.
-
Veterans take to the trees
Cristal Bednar took photos of her husband, Justin, as he laboriously climbed his way up a “Dangle-Duo” to get to a zipline at Indiana State University’s Sycamore Outdoor Center.
-
Property owner seeks halt to Hulman Lake dam project
A Terre Haute property owner is seeking an injunction that would at least temporarily halt the city’s work on the Hulman Lake dam project.
-
Tornado veterans balance preparedness, practicality
Few things in nature are less predictable than a tornado. They can form quickly. They strike weirdly, leveling one building while leaving its neighbor untouched. They can fling a car a half-mile and turn a piece of lumber into a wall-piercing missile.
-
ISU unveils interactive Bayh Family Legacy Wall at school
A who’s who of Indiana Democrats paid tribute to Evan Bayh and several generations of the Bayh family Friday during a dedication of a new interactive display at Indiana State University.
-
Can you smell me now?
A contraband cell phone has been discovered by the Vigo County Jail’s youngest and most unique officer.
-
GIVING BACK: Steve Weatherford buys shoes for kids day before charity run
Terre Haute’s Steve Weatherford, punter for the 2012 Super Bowl champion New York Giants, showed once again his generosity Friday by donating new athletic shoes to more than two dozen Vigo County kids.
-
N.Y. Giants honor Weatherford as ‘Man of the Year’
Dan Tanoos, superintendent of Vigo County schools, remembers the first time he saw Steve Weatherford as a freshman at Terre Haute North Vigo High School.
-
Sunday recital at The Woods
A recital featuring songs from well-known composers is at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
-
Police investigating rash of car window shootings
Terre Haute Police are investigating a rash of shootings that have shattered car windows throughout the city.
-
City hospitals get passing grades for patient safety
Two Terre Haute hospitals have been ranked for patient safety by an independent organization that assesses safety, quality and affordability of healthcare for Americans.
-
Three from Operation Turn and Burn sentenced in federal court
Three co-conspirators in a Wabash Valley methamphetamine trafficking ring were sentenced this week to several years in federal prison.
-
Skateboarders, BMX bike riders working to improve area of city park they use
The sound of small wheels rolling across smooth concrete fills the air, accented by the clacking noise of a wooden skateboard coming to an instant stop on a metal edge before rolling on again.
-
Indiana State to host 2014 MVC baseball tourney
Build it… and they will come. The Missouri Valley Conference and Indiana State University made that famous line from the movie “Fields Of Dreams” reality Thursday.
-
Overlay recommended for 812 area code
The state agency that represents Hoosier utility customers is calling for a ten-digit solution to southern Indiana’s vanishing supply of 812 area code telephone numbers.
-
Elementary school saddened by student’s death
A 9-year-old Dixie Bee Elementary student died unexpectedly Wednesday evening as the result of pneumonia, said Vigo County Coroner Susan Amos on Thursday.
-
Vermillion CSX crossings undergoing maintenance
CSX maintenance crews are working on railroad crossings between Dana and Chrisman, Ill. this week and next, a CSX official said Thursday.
- More News Headlines
-
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Raw: Suspects Butt Dial 911, Lead to Arrest
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor
Active Search for Utah Missing Mom Ends
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado
Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Oklahoma tornado survivor: "Everything is gone"
Khloe Lashes Out at Kim Kardashian's Critics
Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window
RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
Justin Bieber Gets Booed
New 'Anchorman 2' Trailer, Drake Joins List of Rumored Cameos
Eva Longoria's Wardrobe Malfunction
Heat Star Dwyane Wade Surprises Coral Gables Teen At Prom
Steak n' Shake waitress scores huge tip
Singer Miguel Accidentally Lands on Fan At Billboard Music Awards
Celebs Celebrate the Rise of the Side Butt
