In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers have found a new method of water surface skipping--termed "water walking." The study involves unraveling the physics of how elastic spheres interact with water as well as laying the foundation for future designs of water-walking drones. The research team used high-speed cameras to record elastomeric spheres “walking” in a tank of water. The ‘water walking’ is via elastic spheres gaining speed over the first several impacts, causing the sphere to maintain a deformed, oblong shape.
"Although this has been a long study, the new modes we discovered make it easier for us to envision using the technology for practical uses like water-walking drones," says Utah State University Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Tadd Truscott.
Source: Utah State University
