piezoelectric actuators

Flying carpet researchers at Princeton University studying a small scrap of flying carpet since October, have come to some startling conclusions.

Flying a magic carpet could be a lot harder than it looks. Read on…

This scrap of real flying carpet appears to use an electric current, like a Manta Ray, to flex into little waves and “swim” through the air. Not exactly a smooth ride.

So is it made with real Manta Rays? I asked Princeton graduate student scientist and flying carpet researcher, Noah Jafferis.

“No.” He replied evasively. He claims the electric current is actually created by a system of piezoelectric actuators and sensors that are not harvested from Manta Rays at all.

“But do you need a lot of unobtainium to fuel it?”

Noah Jafferis refused to answer that question for some reason.

Another unexpected discovery Mr. Jafferis shared is that this carpet is designed to fly very close to the ground, mere inches above it, more like a hover-carpet than a flying one.

So how will this help you to correctly identify those carpets designed to fly, or at least hover, before you step on them?

Well try my three-step magic carpet identification system:

1. Look for the ripples. As we have just learned, magic carpets do not lie flat.

2. Look for the sparks. Start by tossing a small pebble or something metallic, like a key or a knife. No wait. Maybe start with a spoon instead.

3. Smell. The pizoelectric actuators will probably smell like eels.

4. Ask it! Magic carpets respond to magic words. Use your magic words, see if one caused it to hover.

And if you have correctly identified a real flying carpet, take a page from Noah and his lab mates and suit up. Magic carpet flying includes: rubber soled shoes and gloves to protect yourself from the piezoelectric current and a good helmet in case it turns out to be a rough ride.

**Whatever you do, don’t try to snip a sample with metal scissors. That’s a fast way to electrifry yourself.  Contact the professionals instead.