MLchartDataset catalogue

Vortex breakdown

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-010057

A sudden and drastic change in the structure of a swirling flow, where the coherent vortex core abruptly expands and decelerates. This phenomenon often leads to flow separation and increased turbulence within the vortex. It is observed in strong atmospheric vortices and in aircraft wake vortices.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-010057
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoHydraulic jump
Record as JSON 
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-010057",
  "term": "Vortex breakdown",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A sudden and drastic change in the structure of a swirling flow, where the coherent vortex core abruptly expands and decelerates. This phenomenon often leads to flow separation and increased turbulence within the vortex. It is observed in strong atmospheric vortices and in aircraft wake vortices.",
  "see_also": [
    "hydraulic jump"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/vortex-breakdown/"
}

Record 10,355 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.