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Hurricane Simulator on Display in Washington D.C.

Florida International University’s 12-fan “Wall of Wind” hurricane simulator is on display at the National Building Museum in Washington.

The “Designing for Disasters” exhibit explores new solutions and historical responses to natural hazards including earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, storm surge, flooding, tsunamis and wildfires.

The International Hurricane Research Center features 12, six-foot tall fans capable of simulating Category 5 hurricanes to test the performance of structures and materials. Wall of Wind, Florida International University, Miami, Florida.
The International Hurricane Research Center features 12, six-foot tall fans capable of simulating Category 5 hurricanes to test the performance of structures and materials. Wall of Wind, Florida International University, Miami, Florida.

FIU officials say their simulator can generate wind speeds of Category 5 hurricanes, like Katrina and Andrew.

Museum visitors can experiment with an interactive replica that generates five wind speeds directed at a small-scale residential building.

They can increase the wind speeds and, literally, try to blow the roof off the house.

The exhibit is on display for 15 months.

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