Vortex
In fluid dynamics, a vortex (plural vortices/vortexes) is a region in a fluid in which the flow revolves around an axis line, which may be straight or curved. Vortices form in stirred fluids, and may be observed in smoke rings, whirlpools in the wake of a boat, and the winds surrounding a tropical cyclone, tornado or dust devil.
Vortices are a major component of turbulent flow. The distribution of velocity, vorticity (the curl of the flow velocity), as well as the concept of circulation are used to characterize vortices. In most vortices, the fluid flow velocity is greatest next to its axis and decreases in inverse proportion to the distance from the axis.
In the absence of external forces, viscous friction within the fluid tends to organize the flow into a collection of irrotational vortices, possibly superimposed to larger-scale flows, including larger-scale vortices. Once formed, vortices can move, stretch, twist, and interact in complex ways. A moving vortex carries with it some angular and linear momentum, energy, and mass.
Cortex (noun)
The outer layer of an internal organ or body structure, such as the kidney or the brain.
Cortex (noun)
The tissue of a stem or root that lies inward from the epidermis, but exterior to the vascular tissue.
Vortex (noun)
A whirlwind, whirlpool, or similarly moving matter in the form of a spiral or column.
Vortex (noun)
Anything that involves constant violent or chaotic activity around some centre.
Vortex (noun)
Anything that inevitably draws surrounding things into its current.
Vortex (noun)
A supposed collection of particles of very subtle matter, endowed with a rapid rotary motion around an axis which was also the axis of a sun or planet; part of a Cartesian theory accounting for the formation of the universe, and the movements of the bodies composing it.
Vortex (noun)
Any of numerous species of small Turbellaria belonging to Vortex and allied genera.
Cortex (noun)
the outer layer of the cerebrum (the cerebral cortex), composed of folded grey matter and playing an important role in consciousness.
Cortex (noun)
an outer layer of another organ or body part such as a kidney (the renal cortex), the cerebellum, or a hair.
Cortex (noun)
an outer layer of tissue immediately below the epidermis of a stem or root.
Vortex (noun)
a whirling mass of fluid or air, especially a whirlpool or whirlwind
“a swirling vortex of emotions”
“we were caught in a vortex of water”