Abstract
Laboratory investigations of tornado-like vortices are reviewed. Various types of the laboratory models using air are introduced.The abilities and the limitations of the laboratory investigations are discussed on various specific problems with the emphasis being placed on the vortex boundary layer and the interaction between the vortices and the ground surface or the buildings and the structures.A number of problems left unsolved in the present laboratory works art summarized.in the future investigations, a model jr which the inflow profiles of the mean velocity (both radial and tangential) and the turbulence level are adjustable is suggested.
