Arduino powered Tornado Machine

The idea for this project was to create a small vortex using fumes or steam as a result of an interaction between man and machine. I used the Arduino platform to create a program that enables the user to create the vortex. The vortex can be created using hand gestures, so by swinging your hand side to side inside an open part of the machine you can create the vortex. There are ultrasonic sensors that constantly pinging and if the time of the predefined ping varies the register the hand motion thus creating the vortex.

Code was done by me and the construction was a team effort.

Materials
PVC pipe
Poly carbonate sheet to create a transparent surronding
MDF

Electronics
Arduino Mega
Ultrasonic sensors
PIR sensors
Breadboards
LED strip
LEDs
Resistors, diodes, NPN transistors and relays