Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/at-florida-international-university Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Hurricane Winds Blast Solar Panels and Roof Tiles…On Purpose Science Sep 7, 2012 12:20 PM EDT At Florida International University, 12 giant fans mimic the intensity of a Category 5 hurricane, pummeling rooftops, building materials and solar panels with winds reaching 157 miles per hour. A team of researchers led by civil engineer Arindam Gan Chowdhury have designed this 15-foot-tall “Wall of Wind” to simulate full-blown hurricanes. With it, they can test construction materials to determine their ability to withstand hurricane winds. Watch them turn windspeeds up to 122 mph. The adhesive foam is rock solid, but the building itself? Just watch. Miles O’Brien reports for the National Science Foundation’s* Science Nation. *For the record, the National Science Foundation is an underwriter of the NewsHour. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now
At Florida International University, 12 giant fans mimic the intensity of a Category 5 hurricane, pummeling rooftops, building materials and solar panels with winds reaching 157 miles per hour. A team of researchers led by civil engineer Arindam Gan Chowdhury have designed this 15-foot-tall “Wall of Wind” to simulate full-blown hurricanes. With it, they can test construction materials to determine their ability to withstand hurricane winds. Watch them turn windspeeds up to 122 mph. The adhesive foam is rock solid, but the building itself? Just watch. Miles O’Brien reports for the National Science Foundation’s* Science Nation. *For the record, the National Science Foundation is an underwriter of the NewsHour. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now