Develop complete multiphase and turbulence models for particulate effects in tornadoes

Develop complete multiphase-flow and turbulence models that quantify how entrained particles, dust, and debris modify tornado airflow, effective density, particle distributions, and turbulent viscosity through mutual air–particle interactions.

Background

The paper identifies entrained passive admixtures—including particles, dust, and debris—as a major unresolved modeling challenge. Such materials can alter air density, radial and azimuthal flow, vertical motion, vortex inertia, and turbulence, with effects depending on particle mass, size, shape, and aerodynamic drag.

The authors state that a more accurate treatment requires multiphase-media equations coupled to turbulence modification. The problem remains unresolved because the particle phase and the air flow mutually influence one another across a wide range of scales and particle geometries.