This flow visualization depicts swirling air currents/vortices generated by counter-rotating rotors of a NASA concept air taxi. Computational Fluid Dynamics (“CFD”) was used to simulate and visualize airflow that would otherwise be invisible. By showing the vortex lines left in the air by the aircraft we are able to see the complex flow.

I love when science and art combine to create beautiful images. On one hand, this visualization allows engineers to see how the rotors interact with one another and what impact they have on the overall aerodynamics of the aircraft. On the other hand, you have these mesmerizing vortex patterns that make for an aesthetically pleasing image while still being representative of actual data.

Visualization Source: Tim Sandstrom, NASA/Ames Research Center