Portable Hurricane
Engineers at the University of Florida, Gainesville, have built a machine that can crank out Hurricane Katrina-like conditions to test the sturdiness of structures and materials. The trailer-mounted apparatus sports eight five-foot fans powered by four 700-horsepower marine engines. A duct and rudders allow precise control of wind speed and direction; a water-injection system simulates wind-driven rain. Forrest Masters, a civil engineer at the university and a leader of the hurricane-simulator project, plans to use the machine to blast state-donated homes, building products, and trees. The data will be used to help Florida update its statewide building codes.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
DeepMind’s cofounder: Generative AI is just a phase. What’s next is interactive AI.
“This is a profound moment in the history of technology,” says Mustafa Suleyman.
What to know about this autumn’s covid vaccines
New variants will pose a challenge, but early signs suggest the shots will still boost antibody responses.
Human-plus-AI solutions mitigate security threats
With the right human oversight, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can help keep business and customer data secure
Next slide, please: A brief history of the corporate presentation
From million-dollar slide shows to Steve Jobs’s introduction of the iPhone, a bit of show business never hurt plain old business.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.