I had heard this too (but not with the $64 word: geostropic) but it has
since been proven false. Standing water drained through a central "hole"
tends to follow the direction of the "polish" or finish on the surface of the
basin it is in. This has a much more dramatic effect than the direction the
earth turns (believe it or not, the water is turning at the same speed as the
planet and when the basin is leveled and oriented (if not a perfect circle)
correctly, the vortext can turn either way when the water drains through a
central hole). Two studies I know of were done on this effect. It ended up
that when all things are equal, chaos theory takes over and the vortex goes
whatever way it wants to. If it conisistently goes one direction, there is
something in the process that is forcing it to, and it's not planetary
rotation.
I do believe on a MUCH larger scale you are totally correct. The Oceans
and Atmosphere are directly impacted by the rotation of the earth and they are
opposites between the northern and southern hemisphere. In a small basin it's
just not enough of a factor to worry about.
Now, to the theory that whirling air "sucks" more of itself down the TB,
rule of thumb, there's no such thing as a free lunch. A tornado requires
tremendous energy to keep itself maintained. If it generated it's own energy,
these things would spawn and never die. The closest thing you can get to
additional energy is a venturi. Vortex's are energy wasters, (aeronautical
engineers try to eliminate them on aircraft as they increase drag) whereas
venturi's are energy modifiers, they accellerate the air. This is still no
free lunch but faster moving air impacts a stationary object (in this case,
the pistons) harder and can increase your psi (compression ration) slightly,
very slightly. You want to generate a venturi at the TB not a vortex.
Shaun H.
---original message---
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 19:11:39 -0600
From: mrdancer <mrdancer@camalott.com>
Subject: DML: Re: TB Spacers
You ever notice how when you flush the toilet, the water goes down in a
counter-clockwise direction? This is due to geostrophic forces (Coriolis
effect) created by the earth's rotation. Actually, all whirlpools in the
northern hemisphere rotate counter-clockwise and the toilet manufacturers
made use of this knowledge and directed their flushing jets in the same
general direction (consequently, South American toilets won't work very well
up here). The water's rotation helps "suck" it down the toilet hole.
Anyway, my point is, whoever designs this helix had better make sure it
directs air in a counter-clockwise rotation (same goes for that
'tornado-air' thingy). And for you people south of the equator, don't buy
one of these unless is was manufactured specifically for your locale, i.e. -
clockwise direction. Otherwise, you will be restricting your airflow.
Sorry, just rambling........
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