Air-levitated platelets: from take off to motion

Abstract

A plate placed above a porous substrate through which air is blown can levitate if the airflow is strong enough. We first model the flow needed for taking off, and then examine how an asymmetric texture etched on the porous surface induces directional motion of the hovercraft. We discuss how the texture design impacts the propelling efficiency, and how it can be used to manipulate these frictionless objects both in translation and in rotation.