Story perspectives
Virginia Tech Engineers Unveil Game-Changing Ice Slingshot Technology
8/19/2025
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Story summary
- Virginia Tech engineers created an "ice slingshot" that moves ice disks using Laplace pressure on a grooved surface.
- This technology may enhance energy generation and improve de-icing for surfaces such as airplane wings.
- Ph.D. student Jack Tapocik led the study, showing that etched grooves direct meltwater for self-propulsion.
- The research was published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces on August 17, 2025.
