A team of researchers has discovered a new water surface skipping technique that they believe can influence future designs of water-walking drones.
Called "water walking," the researchers said that the new mode unravels the process of how elastic spheres "walk on water."
Scientists at the Utah State University's Splash Lab, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and Brown University collaborted on the study. They published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports on April 15.
Water Walking Stones
For the experiment, the team used an elastomeric sphere fitted with electronics and drawn on with patterns to help the researchers observe and record accelerations, impact, rotation, and deformation as it travels on the surface of the water. They also used a high-speed camera to capture every movement of the object and study the physics of water surface skipping.
They explained that water walking occured when the elastomeric sphere gained significant speed from its first few impacts with the water that also shaped the material into a deformed oblong that resembles the stones often found near the shore.
The elastomeric sphere "walked" when the sphere moved almost parallel with the water, with its more pointed side dipping just below the surface while the shorter side passed above. The elastomeric sphere looked like it was walking on water.
The researchers also revealed that there are two kinds of water walking. In the first one, the sphere skips one every full rotation. Meanwhile, in the second type, the sphere skips twice after every full rotation.
More Than Just Skipping Rocks
The observation is not just useful for folks who might want to refine their rock skipping techniques. The researchers stated that their findings have potential practical uses and can be applied in other fields.
"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," stated Tadd Truscott, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the Utah State University.
The researchers also stated that the study provides insights on the physics of water impact which could be useful for naval operations and maritime engineering.
Watch the team demonstrate "water walking" in the video below.
