What is WHIRL?
The WHIRL is dedicated to the study of the effects and impact of wind storms, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms, and other related meteorological zards (e.g. flooding, and storm surges) on the natural environment and man-made structures. The laboratory involves a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and business experts, who take advantage of a geographic location in the heart of Florida Space Coast, to serve the needs of industry, government, and the public in wind hazard mitigation.
The WHIRL is a joint effort of Florida Tech Colleges of Engineering and Science and Liberal Arts, and the Schools of Aeronautics and Business.
The three main objectives of the WHIRL are:
- research on mitigation of losses to life, property, and the environment;
- education of the public through dissemination of information, and organization of seminars and workshops;
- development of a multidisciplinary program of study focused on wind engineering, and wind related socio-economic studies and analyses.