Abstract
We investigate the behavior of droplets and soft elastic objects propelled with a catapult. Experiments show that the ejection velocity depends on both the projectile deformation and the catapult acceleration dynamics. With a subtle matching given by a peculiar value of the projectile/catapult frequency ratio, a 250% kinetic energy gain is obtained as compared to the propulsion of a rigid projectile with the same engine. This superpropulsion has strong potentialities: actuation of droplets, sorting of objects according to their elastic properties, and energy saving for propulsion engines.
- Received 7 June 2017
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.108001
© 2017 American Physical Society
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Focus
Superpropulsion of Liquid Drops
Published 8 September 2017
An oscillating surface can propel a drop of water or a springy ball upward at a speed higher than that of the moving surface.
See more in Physics