P2 1 Sonic the Hedgehog: the Physics behind the fastest creature alive

Abstract

In this report, we examine the drag forces acting upon Sonic the Hedgehog while running at Mach
1 (343 ms^−1). By assuming Sonic is a cylindrical object with a surface area of 1.2 m^2, a drag force
of 36 kN and energy consumption rate of 12 MJ s−1 was found. Our findings suggest that such
velocities would cause significant environmental impacts, including ground deformation and shock
waves, highlighting the real-world limitations he would face.