title: Intensity of vortices: from soap bubbles to hurricanes.
abstract: By using a half soap bubble heated from below, we obtain large isolated single vortices whose properties as well as their intensity are measured under different conditions. By studying the effects of rotation of the bubble on the vortex properties, we found that rotation favors vortices near the pole. Rotation also inhibits long life time vortices. The velocity and vorticity profiles of the vortices obtained are well described by a Gaussian vortex. Besides, the intensity of these vortices can be followed over long time spans revealing periods of intensification accompanied by trochoidal motion of the vortex center, features which are reminiscent of the behavior of tropical cyclones. An analysis of this intensification period suggests a simple relation valid for both the vortices observed here and for tropical cyclones.
authors: Université Bordeaux 1, Laboratoire Ondes et Matière d'Aquitaine, UMR 5798 CNRS, 351 cours de la Libération, 33405 Talence, France.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Meuel
authors: Université Bordeaux 1, Institut de Mathématiques de Bordeaux, UMR 5251, MC2 INRIA, 351 cours de la Libération, 33405 Talence, France.
authors: Y L
authors: YL
authors: Xiong
authors: Université Bordeaux 1, Institut de Mathématiques de Bordeaux, UMR 5251, MC2 INRIA, 351 cours de la Libération, 33405 Talence, France.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Fischer
authors: Université Bordeaux 1, Institut de Mathématiques de Bordeaux, UMR 5251, MC2 INRIA, 351 cours de la Libération, 33405 Talence, France.
authors: C H
authors: CH
authors: Bruneau
authors: Université de la Réunion, Laboratoire d'Energétique, d'Electronique et des Procédés, 15 Avenue René Cassin, 97751 Saint Denis de la Réunion, France.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Bessafi
authors: Université Bordeaux 1, Laboratoire Ondes et Matière d'Aquitaine, UMR 5798 CNRS, 351 cours de la Libération, 33405 Talence, France.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Kellay