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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Exploration

Impacting Fuelling Dynamics Towards Tunable Liquid Metal Machine

  • Jingyi Li1,2
  • Minghui Guo1
  • Ju Wang1,2
  • Xi Zhao3,4
  • Jing Liu1,2
4 affiliations
  1. 1Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
  2. 2School of Future Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
  3. 3Tianjin Key Laboratory For Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering Tianjin University of Technology Tianjin China
  4. 4National Demonstration Center For Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education (Tianjin University of Technology) Tianjin China
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Abstract

Self‐propelled liquid metal‐aluminium hybrid machines represent a promising class of autonomous motion systems capable of sustained movement without external power sources. While interactions between machines and their environment inevitably occur, the fundamental question of how spatial confinement affects the motion dynamics and the controllability of speed, direction and lifetime of such liquid metal machines (LMMs) remains underexplored. Understanding these confined dynamics is essential for practical applications. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation of the non‐symmetrical fuelling principle governing the direction‐tuning effect in LMMs. By confining LMMs within one‐dimensional semi‐open channels, we thoroughly disclose their impact and turning dynamics with different end obstacles throughout their lifecycle, with particular focus on fuel region morphological evolution, overall motion and local flow characteristics after reaction times exceeding one hour. Utilising ultra‐high‐speed imaging techniques, we systematically clarify how fuel region evolution and end‐obstacle interactions influence symmetry‐breaking mechanisms and reciprocating dynamics. Our findings reveal complex interactions between material properties, charge transfer processes and fluid dynamics during end‐turning processes, establishing a theoretical foundation for LMM driving dynamics. Beyond the theoretical mechanisms, we further demonstrate that LMM exhibits efficient heat and mass transfer capabilities, paving the way for applications in controlled transport systems and autonomous robotics.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{li2026impacting,
  title = {{Impacting Fuelling Dynamics Towards Tunable Liquid Metal Machine}},
  author = {Jingyi Li and Minghui Guo and Ju Wang and Xi Zhao and Jing Liu},
  journal = {Exploration},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.1002/exp2.70227},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/exp2.70227},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Impacting Fuelling Dynamics Towards Tunable Liquid Metal Machine
AU  - Jingyi Li
AU  - Minghui Guo
AU  - Ju Wang
AU  - Xi Zhao
AU  - Jing Liu
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/06
JO  - Exploration
DO  - 10.1002/exp2.70227
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1002/exp2.70227
AB  - Self‐propelled liquid metal‐aluminium hybrid machines represent a promising class of autonomous motion systems capable of sustained movement without external power sources. While interactions between machines and their environment inevitably occur, the fundamental question of how spatial confinement affects the motion dynamics and the controllability of speed, direction and lifetime of such liquid metal machines (LMMs) remains underexplored. Understanding these confined dynamics is essential for practical applications. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation of the non‐symmetrical fuelling principle governing the direction‐tuning effect in LMMs. By confining LMMs within one‐dimensional semi‐open channels, we thoroughly disclose their impact and turning dynamics with different end obstacles throughout their lifecycle, with particular focus on fuel region morphological evolution, overall motion and local flow characteristics after reaction times exceeding one hour. Utilising ultra‐high‐speed imaging techniques, we systematically clarify how fuel region evolution and end‐obstacle interactions influence symmetry‐breaking mechanisms and reciprocating dynamics. Our findings reveal complex interactions between material properties, charge transfer processes and fluid dynamics during end‐turning processes, establishing a theoretical foundation for LMM driving dynamics. Beyond the theoretical mechanisms, we further demonstrate that LMM exhibits efficient heat and mass transfer capabilities, paving the way for applications in controlled transport systems and autonomous robotics.
SN  - 2766-8509
SN  - 2766-2098
ER  -