Fundamental and Experimental Conditions for the Realization of Traveling-Wave-Induced Aerodynamic Propulsive Forces by Piezoelectrically Deformed Plastic Substrates

In a previous work, we demonstrated the propulsive force produced by controllable traveling mechanical waves in a thin plastic sheet suspended in air above a flat surface, thus confirming the physical basis for a “flying” carpet near a horizontal surface. Here, we discuss the fundamental and experimental conditions for realizing such a demonstration. We first present the theory motivating our work and use it to determine the range of experimental conditions most likely to produce a forward propulsive force. We then present a detailed description of the experimental approach to produce the traveling waves, including integrated piezoelectric actuators and sensors to provide feedback control, artifact elimination, and power considerations.