Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Magnetically Induced Rotating Rayleigh-Taylor Instability
Published on: March 3, 2017
Self-Rotation-Induced Propulsion of a Leidenfrost Drop on a Ratchet
Manjarik Mrinal1, Xiang Wang1, Cheng Luo1
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington , 500 W. First Street, Woolf Hall 226, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States.
Abstract:
A Leidenfrost drop is capable of self-propelling on a ratchet, which consists of asymmetric teeth. In this work, the corresponding movements were first experimentally investigated. Because the detected motion could not be interpreted using existing propulsive mechanisms, a new propulsive mechanism was then developed, followed by force analysis using a scaling law.
Related Concept Videos
Rolling Without Slipping
Rotational Motion about a Fixed Axis
Rolling Resistance: Problem Solving
Frictional Forces on Screws
A jack with a square-threaded screw is a mechanical device used to lift heavy loads by applying a force at its handle. When the force is applied, the screw turns, raising the load. The screw can...
Equation of Motion: General Plane motion - Problem Solving
The friction between the roller and the ground is characterized by two coefficients. The static friction coefficient is 0.15, while the kinetic friction coefficient is 0.1. These values are crucial in understanding the interaction between...
Static and Kinetic Frictional Force
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...

