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Boat Moves Without an Engine Or Sails
coondoggie writes "Researchers say technology they have developed would let boats or small aquatic robots glide through the water without the need for an engine, sails or paddles.
A University of Pittsburgh research team has designed a propulsion system that uses the natural surface tension that is present on the water's surface and an electric pulse to move the boat or robot, researchers said. The Pitt system has no moving parts and the low-energy electrode that emits the pulse could be powered by batteries, radio waves, or solar power, researchers said in a statement."
*eom*
Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
If they ever make that feasible for passenger boats then the passsengers better bring the Dramamine.
The low-energy electrode that emits the pulse could be powered by batteries, radio waves, or solar power, researchers said in a statement."
Caveat: said boat must be 8 inches long or less.
Mother Nature called, she wants her gliding through the water patent back. Otherwise, it's neat. Innovation, even if it's copied from the nature, is welcome, especially in the years we have ahead of us. Just don't let it be another hoax.
This is the worst poem I've ever read.
commonly known as 'drifting'
Just break everything to 2cm pieces and send millions of boats.
How effective is it at killing Manatees, hobo's of the sea?
I refuse to use any sort of boat that doesn't maim or injure an endangered species. That's just the kind of forward thinking person I am.
In this case, it should be "does it run in Linux". (The answer is no. The surface tension is too low. The kernel mailing list tension, on the other hand, would be perfect.)
It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
Boat Moves Without an Engine Or Sails
the vikings fixed this problem long ago.
Those of us who think they know everything annoy those of us who do.
What are the advantages of this over using an engine or sail? Would it be friendlier to the environment, faster, or efficient?
Whatever the practical application, this is cool!
It's a brilliant way to ship your toothpicks overseas one at a time.
VLC FOR MAC IS DYING! IF YOU DEVELOP, PLEASE SAVE IT!!
I think that's called the BoatTorrent protocol.
Raising the rear end of a RORO ship or passenger cruiser a millimetre or two isn't going to have much of an effect, methinks.
RORORO your ship,
Gently down a slope,
Surface tension's far too weak,
The whole idea is broke.
The tinfoil hat wearing members of PETA won't stand for such sea kitten torture and distress!
-tyfighter
+5 Informative for a graphic diarrhea analogy. I tip my hat to you!
perhaps you would prefer an ejaculatory analogy next time?
Can this really work outside of a lab, where the water surface isn't like glass ?
It sure can work outside the lab. Check out the pics (search for figure 2 / figure 3) to see photos!
I love how Figure #9 has the naughty bits blacked out!
Some days I get the sinking feeling Orwell was an optimist.