We are researching mathematical models of tornados.

Our group includes:   Pavel Belik    Doug Dokken     Kurt Scholz     Misha Shvartsman

We developed some ideas that are presented in the following sources:

Papers:  

Applications of a Vortex Gas Models to Tornadogenesis and Maintenance
Possible Implications of a Vortex Gas Model and Self-Similarity for Tornadogenesis and Maintenance

Fractal powers in Serrin's swirling vortex solutions  - updated version is here 

Talks:

Thermodynamic Balance in Tornado Theory
114 Statistical Mechanics Conference, Celebration of David Ruelle and Yakov Sinai, Rutgers University
December 14, 2015, Piscataway, NJ

Abstract and Slides

Slope of Vorticity Lines Derived from Numerical Models as a Tornado Predictor
Stochastic Modeling of the Oceans and Atmosphere Workshop
March 11 - 15, 2013, Minneapolis, MN

Abstract and Poster

Fractal Powers in Serrin's Swirling Vortex Solutions  
2013 Joint Mathematics Meeting
January 09 - 12, 2013, San Diego, CA
 
Abstract and Slides

CSUMS (NSF Grant) Student Presentation: Modeling Turbulence with Delay Equations
(Joel Hedman and Toby Hillmann)
2013 Joint Mathematics Meeting
January 09 - 12, 2013, San Diego, CA

Abstract and Slides

Slope of Vorticity Lines Derived from Numerical Models as a Tornado Predictor
Severe Local Storms Conference , American Meteorological Society
November 05 - 08, 2012, Nashville, TN 

Extended Abstract

Investigations of Cai's Power Law for Strong Tornados 
SIAM Annual Meeting (AN12)
July 9 - 13, Minneapolis, MN

Poster and Abstract
 
Predictability of Tornados - Modeling and Statistics
SIAM Conference on Mathematical and Computational Issues in the Geosciences (GS07)
March 19 - 22, 2007, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Abstract and Slides (from a similar talk at the University of St Thomas) 

Time Averaging, Hierarchy of the Governing Equations, and the Balance of Turbulent Kinetic Energy
Chapter 11 in Mathematical and Physical Theory of Turbulence, 250 (pp. 155-164), 2006
J. Cannon & B.K. Shivamoggi (Eds.), Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

 
Averaging in Turbulent Kinetic Energy for Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Preprint, Institute for Mathematics and its Applications, February 2003
 
A Balance Equation for Turbulent Kinetic Energy in the Boundary Layer
International Workshop on Turbulence
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL, May 2003


Some sources of information about tornados

National Severe Storms Laboratory
Storm Prediction Center
Mesoscale Analysis
American Meteorological Society