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2D Dandelion Seed Drift: Vortex-Ring Aerodynamics

Interactive 2D side-view dandelion-seed simulator: a real quadratic-drag model gives each pappus its measured slow terminal fall speed (about 0.26 m/s, boosted by the separated vortex ring the porous parachute holds above it) while wind entrains it horizontally at the same rate. Adjust wind speed and blow the head to release seeds.

Fluid Dynamics & Aerodynamics2DModerate60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

A 2D side-view companion to the 3D dandelion simulator, built on the real aerodynamics of a pappus: quadratic drag from an elevated drag coefficient — caused by the separated vortex ring the porous parachute holds in its wake — gives each seed a slow, realistic terminal fall speed near 0.26 m/s, while the same drag law lets horizontal wind rapidly entrain the seed sideways. Adjust wind speed and blow the seed head to watch seeds detach and drift.

⚙ Under the hood

Watch dandelion seeds detach from the head and drift on the wind with a real quadratic-drag model that gives each pappus its measured slow terminal fall speed.

fluid-dynamicsaerodynamicsdragdandelionseed-dispersalwind2d

2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install