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Beyond surface tension-dominated water surface jumping

Author

Listed:
  • Xin Wang

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Neng Xia

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Chengfeng Pan

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Jinsheng Zhao

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Bo Hao

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Lin Su

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Dongdong Jin

    (Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen))

  • Qingsong Xu

    (University of Macau)

  • Xurui Liu

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Xingyu Hou

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Li Zhang

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Water surface jumping motions of semi-aquatic insects are primarily rely on surface tension-dominated jumping mechanism to achieve impressive jumping performance. However, this mechanism faces an inherent physical constraint: the propulsion force must remain below the threshold required to break the water surface, limiting efficient momentum acquisition. Herein, we present a water surface jumping strategy that addresses the limitations of surface tension-dominated mechanism. Our approach allows the engineered jumper to achieve a record-breaking jumping height of 18 body lengths (63 cm) and take-off velocity of 100.6 body length/s (3.52 m/s). This strategy is built on three key design principles: (I) superhydrophobic body for floating on water surface, (II) light-weight, high-power actuation module capable of providing significant propulsion force within an ultrashort time, (III) well-engineered momentum transmission system for efficient kinetic energy transfer. The developed soft jumper based on these design principles advances the development of water environment related robotics.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Wang & Neng Xia & Chengfeng Pan & Jinsheng Zhao & Bo Hao & Lin Su & Dongdong Jin & Qingsong Xu & Xurui Liu & Xingyu Hou & Li Zhang, 2025. "Beyond surface tension-dominated water surface jumping," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58096-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58096-8
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