Terminal velocities of a deformed Leidenfrost liquid: Experiments and self-propulsion model

We derive a model entirely from first principles to explain the Leidenfrost self-propulsion phenomenon in a quantitative way, where the deformable nature of the liquid has been taken into account. Experiments show a good agreement with our model, suggesting this model supersedes the limited scaling analysis previously given in the literature. Our annular ring design enables liquid droplets to reach high terminal velocities, up to 0.42 +/- 0.04 m/s, which is potentially beneficial to energy harvesting and flow chemistry applications.