whirlpool

Whirlpool refers to a body of rotating water, typically formed when a fast-moving current flows into an obstacle, around a constriction, or in the wake of a dam or other structure. In a whirlpool, water spirals toward a low-pressure core, with velocity and turbulence increasing as the swirl tightens. The phenomenon arises from hydrodynamic instabilities and energy dissipation as momentum is redirected from linear to circular flow. Natural whirlpools can occur in rivers, coastal currents, and tidal zones, and may pose hazards to navigation and submerged structures. Notable examples include Saltstraumen in Norway, one of the strongest tidal whirlpools, and various rapids worldwide. Subsurface conditions and Coriolis effects influence the rotation direction and morphology of whirls.

Whirlpool Corporation is an American multinational manufacturer of home appliances. The company designs, produces, and markets laundry and kitchen appliances and operates multiple brand names, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Consul. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, it maintains manufacturing, distribution, and service operations in numerous countries and sells its products worldwide. The firm traces its roots to the Upton Machine Company, founded in 1911, and it adopted the Whirlpool name as its flagship brand, expanding through mergers and acquisitions to become a major appliance supplier. Whirlpool is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker WHR and has pursued sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency improvements and recycling programs, across its product lines.