This is an undergraduate journal for year 4 (MPhys) students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester. It forms part of the taught undergraduate module PA4980.
We investigate the laser used in the 1964 film Goldfinger, during the scene of James Bond tied to the table, watching a laser cut through gold. We find that to completely vaporise the gold in this fashion, it would correspond to a laser power of approximately 27.6 kW, which is possible by the lasers of the time. We also consider that the actual requirement to vaporise gold in this way is significantly affected by thermal conduction and the reflectivity of the gold surface.
Copyright (c) 2025 Physics Special Topics
P5 7 Sailing around at the speed of sound
In this paper we attempted to use a simplified fluid dynamics model to determine how fast the video game character Sonic would need to run in order to run on water, like he does in his movie Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Although our results suggested that the scene is realistic, the velocity required to run on water came out as 2.6 ms−1 - unrealistically slow. This lead us to question our models and conclude that the methods we used were far too simple for something as complex as running on water.
This paper looks to examine the mechanics behind how many stairs a skateboarder can ollie on a skateboard, this is done by looking at the theoretical maximum velocities that a skateboarder could achieve before structural failure of their wheels, as well as the maximum ollie height, and then utilising projectile mechanics to determine a maximum number of stairs that can be cleared. It was found that theoretically with perfect conditions a skateboarder could clear 79533 steps, with a more realistic estimate for the upper limit being 1132 stairs.
This paper presents a framework for a large-scale (100 m3), contained artificial aurora. We derive the energy required to sustain a low-pressure plasma via an external radio frequency field, deriving the required power density of 267 W/m3 for an argon plasma, which results in a feasible input power of 26.7 kW. This is briefly taken further in considering other gases, linking the photon output to the energy cost. Finally, we establish the principles of plasma control through the use of the Lorentz force, showing how this could be used to shape the glow.
P5 5 Investigating the feasibility of Dr. Stone’s sweat-lens
In this paper we look at a scene in the popular anime Dr. Stone, where a convex lens made of sweat and glass is used to ignite a leather cloth with sunlight. We have assumed that the radius of the lens r = 2.5 cm, the Solar Intesity I_0 = 1366 W/m^-2 and the temperature that the leather ignites at is 300 °C on a sunny day. Our results show that rather than taking 60 seconds to ignite like it did in the show, this process in real life would take 154 seconds. This suggests that the scene in Dr. Stone is inaccurate.
This paper explores the time taken for a Turkey to be cooked with Cosmic Background Radiation (CMB), at an epoch corresponding to oven temperatures. We found that this occurred when the universe was 6 x 10^6 years old. Under a constant-power assumption for radiative heat transfer, the time taken for the turkey to reach safe eating temperatures was around 51 minutes and through an integrated model, this was increased to 57 minutes.
P3 7 Water Breathing as Laminar Flow Control in Demon Slayer
In the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, “Water Breathing” is a fictional swordsmanship style characterised by fluid, almost effortless high–speed katana strikes, as though the blade moves through water rather than air. We model this aesthetic as a hypothetical active flow–control mechanism that enforces laminar boundary–layer flow over the blade at Re ≈ 106 . Using Blasius theory and drag coefficients, we calculate a 94 % reduction in aerodynamic torque and a 45 % reduction in muscular effort, making the blade feel approximately one-half lighter, whilst preserving strike impulse. In reality, turbulent transition occurs in ∼10 µs under adverse pressure gradients; sustaining laminarity at such Reynolds numbers is impossible without advanced actuators. This model quantifies the biomechanical basis for the “effortless flow” aesthetic in Demon Slayer.
P3 8 Should've put an electric ring on it
This paper investigates the viability of generating a man-made magnetic field using the circular wire current loop around the Earth's equator, to produce an equal magnetic field to Earth would require an amperage of 1.29x109 A to produce, possessing a current density of 4.11x 108 Am-2 and ohmic heating per unit volume to be 2.71x109 Wm-3 .
This paper explores the physical possibility of Elphaba Thropp’s flight during the song Defying Gravity in the musical Wicked. By applying fundamental physics principles, we conclude that magnetic levitation offers the most realistic explanation within the limits of known physics.
We model Pascal’s barrel through the hydrostatic paradox. A 10 m long, 1 cm wide tube is fixed to a sealed 225 L barrel; adding 0.785 kg of water raises the head to produce 98.1 kPa gauge pressure at the lid. This pressure yields a 25.9 kN upward force on the lid despite the small added mass, illustrating that pressure depends on height and density, not container volume. The paradox is resolved by force balance: the lid exerts an equal 25.9 kN reaction on the fluid, so the barrel base must carry both the total fluid weight of 2.2 kN and this additional downward load. The results align with hydrostatics and validate the model.
P3 6 Carnage a Trois: Did the Pluriel Reach France?
This paper looks into The Grand Tour special episode Carnage a Trois, to see if the trebuchet used by the hosts was sufficient to send the Citroen C3 Pluriel to France. The range of the trebuchet used is found, considering drag and non-drag conditions, to be 429 m − 492 m, meaning the C3 Pluriel did not reach France in the episode. A 6.14×1023 kg counterweight is found to be sufficient to complete the Dover to Calais distance considering drag, but resulting in a release velocity of 985c, proving the unfeasibility of using such an unaerodynamic projectile to reach France.
A1 7 Blinded at the Angel Dispatch Centre
In this study, the show Wizards of Waverly Place is reviewed. The impact of the bright light emitted from the Guardian Angel Dispatch Centre is considered, and it is determined that without eye protection, the photochemical limit is exceeded, likely causing retinal damage to the characters.
In this paper we discuss the viability of paving over sections of the Earth’s vast oceans in an attempt to increase the planetary albedo and reduce acquired thermal energy from the Sun. We determine that it would require us to cover ≈ 14% of the Earth’s oceans with paver or concrete or ≈ 3% with white acrylic painted plastic, a minimum of ≈ 10 Million square kilometres, an area larger than Australia.
P2 6 Falling kingdom- A Minecraft Parody of Earth's Gravitational Well
The video game Minecraft portrays a world that is very different to our own. We perform an experiment to determine the local gravitational field strength of the Minecraft world and subsequently determine the Minecraft gravitational constant using an infinite slab approximation. The gravitational constant is estimated as G = (1.220 ± 0.024) × 10−5 N m2kg-2.
In this paper we discuss the environmental impact of a large number of people playing the Wordle minigame every day, assessing if it is a significant factor in global environmental decline. We calculate that the total daily CO2 emission from global Wordle players is 3.04 kg. Overall, we conclude that daily actions like playing the Wordle are minimal in the overall discussion about the environment, and that the biggest factors in environmental decline are not due to the actions of an average citizen playing a simple puzzle every day.
This speculative analysis explores the hypothetical use of high-yield thermonuclear devices, such as Tsar Bomba equivalents (50 Mt), delivered via a borehole in the thinnest crustal regions (e.g., ∼ 6 − 10 km at Isidis Planitia), to inject energy into the planet’s interior. We refine estimates for progressive rock vaporisation to deepen the shaft and calculate the energy needed to enhance core convection sufficiently for dynamo reactivation. We estimate requirements on the order of ∼ 1029 J, equating to trillions to tens of trillions of such devices - even with optimistic efficiencies - highlighting the profound impracticality.
P 5 4 The Thermodynamics behind the E-Suites Cooling Problem
In this paper we examine the effect that powerful gaming computers have on the temperature of the E-Suite, a room in the David Wilson library at the University of Leicester. We found that, when left on until the room reaches thermal equilibrium with its surroundings, the computers in the E-Suite increase the temperature of the room by 6.48 K, whereas computers in a neighbouring room only increase the temperature by 1.76 K
A5 3 Theoretical Feasibility of a BH-Powered Starship
This paper investigates a theoretical propulsion concept in which the energy source is present in space: a miniature black hole. The spacecraft would harness Hawking radiation emitted by the BH and redirect it opposite to the desired direction of motion, producing thrust without relying on stored fuel. The underlying physics, potential efficiencies, and key engineering challenges of such a “BH starship” are explored.
P2 8 Only a Sith deals in Magnetohydrodynamics
In this paper, we investigate the iconic humming noise produced by the lightsaber from the Star Wars movie franchise. We apply a magnetohydrodynamic model to investigate the formation of standing Alfv´en waves within the lightsaber plasma and find that for the fundamental frequency of these waves to be within the range of human hearing, a lightsaber of magnetic field 1 T would require a plasma density of 1026 m−3
In this paper, we find the charge and voltage associated with Clash Royale's `Electro Giant' to cause the breakdown of air and produce an electric shock from 3 metres away, considering both of his conducting spheres. By modelling as point charges, we find a requirement of Q=1.52 x 10^{-3} C for each sphere. Using this, along with the method of images for capacitance, we find a required voltage of V=1.26 x 10^{8} V for each sphere.
In several cinematic portrayals, the character Spider-Man adheres to moving surfaces at extreme speeds. This paper estimates the coefficient of friction and adhesive forces required for a human of mass 75 kg to remain attached to the exterior of an aircraft travelling at 150 ms−1. Using aerodynamic drag models, published estimates of gecko-inspired adhesive stress, and reasonable assumptions about body orientation and exposed area, we compute forces generated by biological- style adhesion and the resulting frictional demands. Results indicate that, depending on adhesive stress and contact area, the required friction coefficient ranges from 0.10–1.72, with realistic ad- hesion parameters bringing the requirement within the performance range of high-performance synthetic adhesives.
A5 6 Superhero Landings: Do Not Try This at Home
Superhero films often show characters dropping several storeys and landing in a one-knee “superhero pose” without injury. We model a 70 kg human-sized hero in free fall from heights of a few to ∼10 m, landing with one leg taking most of the vertical load. Assuming a rigid surface, a stopping distance of 0.30 m and an effective tibial cross-sectional area of 1.5 ×10-4 m2, we estimate decelerations and compressive stresses and compare them to typical bone failure values. Even under optimistic assumptions, “superhero landings” from more than a few metres appear likely to cause serious injury, and multi-storey drops are inconsistent with normal human bone strength.
Auroral emission is normally restricted to high latitudes, reflecting the boundary between closed and open geomagnetic field lines. Using a simple dipole model of Earth's magnetic field, we compute the total open magnetic flux in a polar cap as a function of its boundary latitude. We then apply a visibility criterion to determine how much open flux would be required for aurora to reach low latitudes or the equator. The model shows that equatorward auroras require 14.5 times more open flux than typical geomagnetic conditions.
P2 9 The Lack of Colour from Outer Space
In this paper, we investigate the properties of the Outer Ones from the H.P. Lovecraft short story The Whisperer from the Darkness, specifically their apparent invisibility in photographs. We derive a simple optical model considering the dependence of reflectance on the wavelength of incident light. We find that for photographs taken with a 1930s-style camera, the Outer Ones must have a refractive index that increases with wavelength, controlled by a dispersion coefficient of B = −0.59 μm2.
P4 7 No Mr Bond: I expect a better suit!
We follow up from our previous paper where we found the power of the laser in the 1964 Bond f ilm Goldfinger. In the film the laser is shut off just before contacting Bond, here we assume it touches Bond for 0.5 s. We find the change in temperature of Bond’s clothing for the case of it being made of cotton fibre and kevlar, for different radii of the laser spot. To assess how a more focused laser can cause more heating. It is found if the laser is double the focusing we use in our previous paper, at 2 cm, and Bond is wearing a suit made of kevlar, he might walk away with severe burns, but otherwise would survive.
The following paper imagines a rocket capable of transporting its passengers to the year 3000 in a time span of only 10 years from the perspective of its passengers. Using some generous assumptions, we found that the rocket burning 403,000 tons of fuel at a constant rate of 1.28 kg/s would be capable of traveling to the future.
P5 9 The Cheese-ibility of Fondue on the Moon
This paper considers the effects of tidal heating on a moon made of cheese, with a brief discussion of solar heating, in an attempt to find the depth at which the perfect fondue can be found. The ideal temperature for fondue is 338 K and we calculated this could be found approximately 2 m away from the core.
n this paper we investigate the Icepiercing ability of the ’Great Ark’ train in Snowpiercer (2013) by modelling the shear forces required to carve a train size hole through an ice wall, assuming rigidity dominates in the harsh cold conditions. We determine that the average force applied by the speeding train through its collision, 2.069 × 1010N, would meet the threshold of shear separation of the required volume of ice, 1.05 ×10 8 N, and break through.
P2 7 Take Back the Moon - A Minecraft Parody of Tidal Forces
In this paper, we investigate the Minecraft Moon added in a temporary April Fool’s update, and use the parameters in the game alongside a new Hill radius regime to find a mass of this Moon to be MMoon ≈ 1012 kg. We find a formula describing the tidal interaction between this moon and a flat semi-infinite plane at the apparent distance in the Minecraft ’snapshot’
In this paper, we investigate how humans keep warm by wearing clothes in a cold environment, assuming an 18 °C room to maintain a body temperature of 34 °C, where heat is lost to the surroundings via conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation. We are taking into account a forearm as a cylinder of radius r=0.04m, and length, L=0.6m, covered by a 1 cm thick wool layer having thermal conductivity k = 0.04W/m^2 K. From the results, the heat loss without clothing is 50.5 W and with clothing is 7.96W, which means the clothing is able to trap 85% of the heat from escaping to the surrounding .
A5 5 Between Suns: The Empty Space Between Oort Clouds
We estimate whether the Sun’s outer Oort cloud overlaps the nearest stellar system’s (Alpha Centauri’s) analogous reservoir, i.e., its hypothetical outer Oort cloud. Because Oort clouds are theoretical and not directly imaged [1], we adopt canonical sizes and a mass-scaling motivated by tidal/Hill arguments [2]. Using present-day separations D ∼ (2.6− 2.76) × 105 AU [3] and ROC ∼ 105 AU [4] for the Sun (with the neighbour’s radius ROC,⋆ = ROC,⊙(M⋆/M⊙)1/3 [2]), we find no overlap. Along the line connecting the systems, the linear gap is ∼ 3.4× 104 − 5.0× 104 AU. This remains true when enforcing the gravitational balance (L1) limit and even under an extreme, enlarged Solar Oort cloud. This provides a clear gravitational boundary for the outer Solar System and a baseline for interpreting long-period comets and interstellar visitors.
A5 4 Trust Me, Bro, Just One More Particle Accelerator...
We consider the effects of increasingly large particle accelerators, approaching the ridiculous in scale, and how these could lead to pivotal discoveries. We find that accelerators using current magnet technology on a continental scale could be used to find Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), on an Earth-Moon system scale could be used to answer questions surrounding Supersymmetry, and on an interstellar scale could allow us to reach the Grand Unified Theory (GUT). We conclude that improving magnet technology is more important than scale.
In this paper, we investigate a fictional shout from the video game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, focusing on the exit pressure to propel a modelled target 20 metres under projectile motion with no drag, and how a model considering drag would differ in shape and distance travelled. We found the exit pressure to be a value of ≈ 45 kPa and under drag the target would travel 18.22 metres.
P4 6 Let it slow: The Terminal Velocities of Snowfall
In this paper we modelled the falling of snow respective to two different structure models of the snowflakes themselves. We model the terminal velocities of snowflakes of different density in a solid spherical mass model and compare the values to the terminal velocity of a normalised, D = 1 mm and ρs = 30 kgm3, fractal flake. We determine that the fractal nature of snowflakes plays a strong role in suppressing the size dependence of terminal velocity, with max values of ≈ 0.64 ms−1 compared to solid model max values of ≈ 1.4 ms−1
Elevated ambient temperatures can enhance Formula 1 car performance because the reduction in air density outweighs the accompanying increase in viscosity. This study models these effects using Sutherland’s law for viscosity and ideal-gas scaling for density over a 10◦C to 35◦C range at sea level, where viscosity rises by ≈ 6.8% and density decreases by ≈ 8.1%. Drag scalings with an 80:20 form-to friction split yield a ≈ 7.6% total drag reduction at fixed speed, implying comparable savings in required power and energy per unit distance.
In the film F9: The Fast Saga, a 1984 Pontiac Fiero modified with a rocket engine is used to reach Low Earth Orbit. This paper analyses the physical plausibility of this scenario by calculating the required fuel mass. We found that to reach the necessary orbital velocity of approximately 7800 m/s, the vehicle would require a fuel mass over five times its own weight. This yields a required mass fraction for the fuel that is unattainable for a vehicle of its design, rendering the stunt a physical impossibility.
A4 4 Lightning McQueen Vs NASCAR: A Physics Comparison
Pixar’s Cars portrays Lightning McQueen as a prominent competitor in the fictitious Piston Cup, an obvious parody of NASCAR racing. This analysis compares McQueen’s car to a real NASCAR stock car, focusing on aerodynamics, banked cornering dynamics, and slipstreaming. McQueen’s cartoon streamlined form likely reduces drag, enhancing his drafting and “slingshot” manoeuvre, but limited downforce would limit his cornering speeds.
P1 6 We Will Rock You (But Not That Much): Estimating the Seismic Energy of a Rock Concert Crowd
This paper estimates the number of people required to generate, through rhythmic stomping, the same amount of energy as a small earthquake. Using Queen’s iconic ’We Will Rock You’ as a model, we approximate the kinetic energy released per stomp and compare it with the seismic energy of a magnitude 3.0 earthquake. We find that 295 million people would need to stomp in unison for the duration of the song to simulate a minor earthquake.
P1 5 Social Thermoregulation in Capybaras
In cold conditions capybaras often gather closely with one another, forming tight groups to conserve warmth. In this paper, we model the thermal advantage of capybara huddling using Newtonian cooling. We show analytically that heat loss per animal is proportional to the inverse square root of group size. Subsequently, we determine that the cooling time of capybaras in a huddle increases proportionately to the square root of the group size. This indicates that group behaviour is an energetically efficient thermoregulatory mechanism.
In this paper we discuss the properties of the warp travel discussed in the science fiction universe of Star Trek. We find a relationship for the specific energy required for selected warp speeds both relativistically and classically, and investigate the viability of using available energy sources to power the different iterations of the starship NCC-1701 Enterprise. We find that the Sun could support 16 million Enterprise-Ds each day at a modest warp factor 0.5.
P3 1 Looking for the nuclear needle in the ocean
Using the interaction of reverse beta decay antineutrino reaction with protons, we determined the radii of a range of detectors for nuclear submarines to be used varied by the count rate of detection of antineutrinos and the range of which we aim to detect them. Range 50km, rate of 1/s there is detector radius of 4453.68m. Range of 50km, rate of 1/5s detector radius is 2604.54m. Range of 10km and rate of 1/s detector radius is 1523.14m.
We have designed a theoretical mag-lev NASCAR to see how it would compete on several NASCAR tracks. Our car performed poorly compared to NASCAR records on each track, due to the cen- tripetal acceleration being the result of the incline of the banked turns on NASCAR tracks. The cars performance could be drastically improved by including a turning mechanism similar to ones mag-lev trains have.
P4 1 Moonfall: A Rudimentary Critisism on Orbital Mechanics
In this paper we investigate the orbital mechanics at play as depicted in the 2021 film `"Moonfall". We model the case of a orbital transfer of the Moon from its standard orbit, to one where it just contacts Earth. The required change in the Moon's orbital velocity is found to be between 767.530ms-1 and 856.959ms-1, with the energy required to move the Moon in this way to be of the order of 1028J. Finally we determine the impact time to be a few days, seemingly in contradiction with the films suggested time span of `"a few weeks".
A4 3 Wireless Power Transfer Across the Earth-Moon Gap
Wireless power transfer using microwaves has been investigated for space-based solar power and planetary exploration. In this paper, using diffraction-limited beam spread and rectenna efficiency data from literature, we explore the feasibility of transmitting power from the Earth to the Moon. We demonstrate that conversion efficiencies remain the primary bottleneck in rectenna performance and apertures of orders of kilometers are required to provide a significant quantity of power to a lunar rectenna.
In this paper we will examine the hypothetical problem of how late a student could leave their studying for an entire MPhys degree at the University of Leicester, if they were in possession of a pen able to write at relativistic speeds. After accounting for time dilation, we find that a pen moving just fast enough for relativistic effects to be apparent (v = 0.5c), would be observed to take an estimated 7.31 × 10-4 s to write notes on the entire degree.
P1 4 The Thermodynamics of Undead Motion: Energy Required to Animate a Severed Hand
In this paper, the energy requirements to animate a severed hand (such as Thing in Netflix’s Wednesday) are estimated by considering the mechanical work per step, 0.343J, the chemical energy supplied by ATP hydrolysis, 1.37J, and the inefficiencies inherent in biological motion, with 75% of chemical energy dissipated as heat per step. This study also investigates electrical energy sources, of magnitude ∼ 107J, that could power a severed hand. A conclusion is made that, while the energy demands per step are modest compared to biological norms, sustaining this motion would require a continuous and reliable energy reservoir.
There are currently around 15,000 satellites orbiting Earth, along with tens of thousands of other man-made objects; the total mass of these objects is estimated to be around 14,700 tonnes. It is calculated that, even in a worst case scenario of these objects accumulating near or on the surface of the Moon, the total disturbance in the Moon’s orbital period would be 1.42 ×10−7 s. For a 1 second change in the orbital period, a total mass of 1.04 ×1014 kg would be required, 6 million times more mass than is currently orbiting the planet.
P2 1 Whether Wonder Woman's Wearables Would Work
In this paper we discuss the most appropriate modern-day material that Wonder Woman’s bracelets would likely be made out of, according to the apparent characteristics and ability to reflect bullets demonstrated in the comics. We decide that Carbon Nanotubes are the best material candidate due their light weight nature and having a high Young’s Modulus allowing it to maintain a low thickness while still absorbing a bullet’s energy elastically. This would be thin and light enough to be wearable, but would compromise and not reflect the metallic appearance of the bracelets in the comics.
A4 1 Relativistic view of Alice in Wonderland
This paper investigates whether the temporal discrepancy Alice experiences in Wonderland (2010 film) relative to the real world could be explained by special or general relativity. Special relativity requires Wonderland to be moving at ≈ 99.99% the speed of light, an implausible cinematic scenario unless she is moving at a state of rest alongside everything around her. General relativity calculations a planet with either a lethal surface gravity (≈ 7×10 9 ms -2) or a radius (≈ 9×10 -3 m) approaching its Schwarzschild radius (a black hole). Our analysis concludes that the observed time dilation in the film is incompatible with the principles of special or general relativity under realistic conditions.
This paper investigates whether a Formula 1 car could drive inverted on the ceiling of the Monaco tunnel during a Grand Prix. A minimum speed of 211 kmh-1 is identified at which aerodynamic downforce balances the car’s weight, providing just enough adhesion to remain upside down. Beyond this threshold, usable tyre grip for steering and braking would increase with speed. However, the maximum speed achievable through the tunnel in a Grand Prix setting is insufficient to generate the lateral acceleration required for practical control, making the scenario impossible.
A5 1 Habitable Zones in the Extreme Environments of Active Galactic Nuclei
We investigate the plausibility of habitable planets orbiting Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), powered by accreting supermassive black holes (SMBHs). Using a simplified model, we estimate the location of a habitable zone around a low-mass SMBH of 1.6×10^5 M⊙ , where conditions may allow liquid water to exist on a planetary surface. By calculating orbital distances that would result in temperatures conducive to habitability, we demonstrate that under certain optimistic assumptions, planets could maintain life-sustaining conditions in the extreme environment near an AGN.
P1 1 Could the Sun Survive without Quantum Mechanics?
This paper explores the conditions required for proton-proton fusion to occur in the Sun without the aid of quantum mechanics. It is found that the Sun in its current form could not sustain fusion without quantum tunnelling, and for it to do so, it would need to be at a minimum temperature of approximately T = 2.8 × 109 K, a temperature only seen in the most violent cosmic events such as supernovae and neutron star mergers.
From the movie Frozen, we investigate if the radial icicle growth is due to environmental conditions or Elsa’s powers. We calculated the heat transfer coefficient required for the rate of radial growth to be ≈ 9.76 × 106 Wm−2K−1. The coefficient based on the environmental conditions is in the range of ≈ 1.11 to 7.5×10−2 Wm−2K−1. Due to a difference of six to eight orders in magnitude, we can conclude that the growth rate is not solely due to the environment.
This paper examines the time it takes for a CMOS image sensor from a typical remote monitoring camera to cease functioning due to the radiative environment within a nuclear reactor. We have found that the total ionisation dose rate would make the device stop working at ≈ 3.3 hours, whilst the effects of displacement damage from neutrons would be ≈ 2.1 hours. The internal environment of a nuclear reactor is lethal to semiconductor electronics, and it shortens the lifetime of digital devices.
P1 8 Blasters, Beskar and the Physics of Heat Transfer
This paper estimates the physical requirements for the fictional material beskar from The Mandalorian to resist a high-energy blaster bolt. Using thermodynamics and heat transfer principles, we model the blaster bolt as a plasma bolt and calculate the resulting temperature rise and heat distribution in a breastplate of armour. We find that if a bolt deposits 342 MJ of energy into a few kilograms of material, the local temperature change would exceed a million kelvin, which is enough to vaporise any known material. To survive, beskar must possess exotic thermal and structural properties beyond current materials science.
This paper lays a theoretical framework for the application of shape memory alloys (SMA) to rocket nozzle design in order to maintain ideal expansion during ascent. We apply this framework to the Atlas V 401 1st stage, quantifying the non-linear relationship between the nozzle exit area and altitude of the rocket. The results establish a first look estimation into nozzle actuation rates needed, that future research can build from; specifically into material properties of a viable SMA.
In this paper we investigate the properties known of Greek fire and determine a pressure required to launch a possible substance 15 m, as it was used in close quarters naval engagements. We find a pressure difference to be 60 kPa above atmospheric pressure, well within the capabilities of the technology the Byzantines had access to.
In the popular Stone Roses song, Sugar Spun Sweetheart, there is a lyric “Until the sky turns green, and the grass is several shades of blue”. In this paper we will be examining whether it would be possible to witness a green sky, firstly, by discussing whether particles exhibiting Rayleigh scattering can cause a green sky instead of blue, and secondly, what speeds a person would need to travel to redshift the sky’s natural blue colour to green. We find that there are no conditions under which Rayleigh scattering can produce a green sky, however if an observer accelerates to an approximate speed of 0.2c, then they will observe a green sky, due to the Doppler effect.
This paper demonstrates a study of the seismological impacts of Entei’s bark power from the world of Pokémon. We find that an energy of 3.23 × 1020 J is released in a 1 second bark, an output powerful enough to level cities and cause massive destruction.
This paper investigates the impact of flaps that are used on aircraft during take off, in particular for a Boeing 737 − 800. It compares typical take off flap settings, to not using flaps, each setting producing a lift coefficient of 2.1 and 1.4 respectively. Velocities that generate sufficient lift for flight to be possible, for each setting, are found to be (v2.1 = 69.4ms−1 and v1.4 = 85.0ms−1 ). A net thrust, that accounts for drag on the aircraft, is found for each respective lift coefficient setting (F2.1 = 220kN, and F1.4 = 225kN) and consequently respective accelerations (a2.1 = 2.78ms−2 , and a1.4 = 2.85ms−2 ) are calculated. It is found that not using flaps on this aircraft results in a take off distance 404m longer than when they are used.
P1 7 Modelling the Thrust of a Rocket League Car
The popular video game Rocket League allows players to use boost to accelerate their cars forward. This paper calculates the thrust required to achieve the in-game acceleration and models it as a propulsion system with varying exhaust velocities. It was found that a thrust of 17.76 kN is required, and real-world propulsion systems exist with comparable thrust and exhaust velocities, indicating that the game’s physics, while simplified, are not entirely unrealistic.
In this study, the viability of human flight with butterfly wings is discussed. It is determined that when considering an adult man with wings of a painted lady butterfly, the surface area of wings needed must be approximately 84.0 m2, suggesting a wingspan of 30.4 m.
A4 7 Brachistochrone Problem in a Central Force Field
The brachistochrone problem, which seeks the curve of fastest descent between two points under gravity, is a foundational problem in the calculus of variations. In this paper, we revisit this problem and extend the analysis to a non-uniform gravitational field governed by an inverse-square central force field. A corresponding time functional is constructed for this system and numerically evaluated for four candidate curves. The result identifies the optimal path among these candidates and provides a quantitative assessment of how the optimal trajectory deviates from the cycloid when the accelerating force varies with distance.
In this paper, we investigate the local entropy change of The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, comparing the impacts from the use of leavened and unleavened bread and comparing this to the number of church-goers. We find that the impact of unleavened bread on the congregation is greater than the impact of leavened bread, increasing the entropy of the rite significantly with more attendees. We find the total entropy change for Orthodox Christians to be 2.4 × 109 J/K per communion, and for Catholics, the entropy change is 1.3 × 1010 J/K per communion. And the Eucharist is consistent with the laws of thermodynamics.
In this paper, we investigate the physical consequences caused by shrinking the Moon, similar to the plot of Despicable Me. We used reference radial sizes and energy values to explore the variety of consequences caused by shrinking the Moon, given some assumptions. This resulted in a variety of outcomes, such as the Moon becoming a neutron star or black hole, due to its new, ultra-dense state.
A5 2 Survivability of Andromeda Evolving into a Blazar
We consider the case that Andromeda evolves into a blazar, an active galaxy with a powerful jet pointing in the direction of the observer. We find that this scenario would pose little threat to life as we know it at the current distance of Andromeda when using lower bounds to calculate the received flux (5.71 x 10-5 erg s-1 cm-2) and fluence (14.8 erg cm-2) of the jet. In the case of upper bounds, there is also little threat unless a flare were to last approximately ten days.
P3 2 Thermal Insulation of Hobbit Holes Comfort in the Shire
This paper analyses the thermal insulation of Bag End using precise scaling from Fonstad’s plan, yielding a total floor (and ceiling area) of 182 m2 with 208 m2 of lateral external wall area. With earth berm construction (R−value = 12.59 m2K/W) maintaining 293 K during the 263 K winters, steady-state heat loss is ∼ 760 W (4.2 W/m2 ). The long hallway contributes significantly to heat loss but burial depth and material selection enable sustainable heating with ∼ 18 kg of wood daily.
This paper discusses the maximum tension exerted on a massless rigid string that would allow Spider-Man to swing without it breaking. We model Spider-Man as a mass on a string and solve the equation of motion for a pendulum via Euler’s Method to model the tension T throughout the string as a function of time. We found Tmax to be 1969.06N, and then compared various materials to determine which would work best under each of their breakpoint limits. We found that a Nylon-based string would not be able to support Spider-Man and we suggest he invest in Spider Dragline Silk.
A4 5 Tidal Energy and Thermal Runaway: Fukushima Disaster
This paper quantifies two energetic components of the 11 March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster. First, modelling the incoming tsunami as a shallow-water gravity wave we estimate an energy transport of ∼ 1.9 × 1010 J m−1 per wave cycle; over a 1 km shoreline segment this totals ≈ 1.9×1013 J, about 4.5 kilotons of TNT. Secondly, we estimate the radioactive decay heat generated by one of the reactor cores in the immediate aftermath of its emergency shutdown. We found that even one day after shutdown, the core still produced over 8 MW of thermal energy, highlighting the critical need for continuous cooling and the catastrophic consequences of its failure.