How to Create the Twister Effect at Universal Studios
The Universal Studios "Twister" effect is merely a large-scale version of a typical science fair tornado machine. A mister, humidifier or smoker is at the bottom. A large fan that creates an updraft is at the top. And air jets -- or air intake slots, in the case of an enclosed twister -- go around the sides to spin the column of smoke. At Universal Studios, the jets are concealed inside hollow, perforated prop telephone poles that surround the illusion. You can build smaller versions of the effect at home for little or great cost, depending on how fancy you wish to make your tornado machine.
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Things You'll Need
- 24-by-12-by-12-inch cardboard box
- Box cutter or hobby knife
- Duct tape
- Sheet of clear plastic
- Handheld blow dryer
- Bowl of water
- Tongs
- Dry ice
- Goggles
Instructions
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1
Measure the width of the air intake on your blow dryer. Cut a hole of the same size at the center of one of the 12-by-12-inch ends of the box. This will become the top of the enclosure.
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2
Cut a 3/4 inch-by-24-inch vertical opening beside the right edge corner fold of each of the 24-by-12-inch side panels. These will serve as the air intakes.
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3
Cut one of the side panels along the upper edge where it meets the top so that it hinges down, like a drawbridge. Cut a 6-by-18-inch viewing window in this same panel. Place clear plastic over the window and tape it in place with duct tape. This will become the front.
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4
Seal all seams and openings, other than the ones you've cut, with the duct tape.
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5
Place a bowl of water inside the box at the bottom. Using the tongs, drop in some dry ice to create smoke.
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6
Fold up the front panel and tape it at the top, along the seam you cut in Step 3.
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7
Hold the air intake of the blow dryer over the hole at the top of the chamber you've created. Turn on the dryer to its low setting. After a column of smoke forms, switch to high speed and watch your twister through the viewing window.
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Tips & Warnings
Run your blow dryer on cold. Heat is not necessary.
It may take several tries, experimenting with the air speed and amount of ice, before your twister looks authentic.
Exercise caution whenever operating electronic equipment near water.
Handle sharp objects carefully.
Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands. Wear protective goggles when breaking it into chips.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
