# gst: a new type of vortex in the flight of a dandelion

<< Wind-dispersed plants have evolved ingenious ways to lift their seeds >>

AA << visualized the flow around dandelion seeds, uncovering an extraordinary type of vortex. This vortex is a ring of recirculating fluid, which is detached owing to the flow passing through the pappus. >>

<< The discovery of the separated vortex ring provides evidence of the existence of a new class of fluid behaviour around fluid-immersed bodies that may underlie locomotion, weight reduction and particle retention in biological and manmade structures. >>

Cathal Cummins, Madeleine Seale, et al. A separated vortex ring underlies the flight of the dandelion. Nature 2018; 562: 414–8. doi: 10.1038/s41586-018-0604-2.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0604-2

<< When dandelion seeds fly, a ring-shaped air bubble forms as air moves through the bristles, enhancing the drag that slows their descent. >>

Dandelion seeds reveal newly discovered form of natural flight. University of Edinburgh. Oct 17, 2018.

https://m.phys.org/news/2018-10-dandelion-seeds-reveal-newly-natural.html