Do you think Dumbo could actually fly?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter allison08
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the fictional character Dumbo and the question of whether he could actually fly, exploring various perspectives on physics, cartoon logic, and the nature of animated storytelling. The scope includes theoretical reasoning, humorous commentary, and speculative ideas related to physics and animation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory
  • Humorous commentary

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that Dumbo cannot fly due to the straightness of his ears and the lack of lift, suggesting that airflow over his ears would not create a low-pressure area.
  • Others propose that Dumbo could fly based on experimental data or humorous interpretations of cartoon physics, such as the idea that his ears emit "flyons."
  • One participant mentions the concept of power-to-weight ratio as relevant to the discussion.
  • Several comments highlight the cartoon nature of Dumbo, suggesting that it is intended for children and not meant to be taken seriously.
  • Some participants humorously speculate about alternative methods of flight, including unconventional ideas like using pressure buildup in his head or flapping his ears.
  • A few participants reference other animated characters and scenarios, questioning their plausibility in a similar manner.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on whether Dumbo could fly, with multiple competing views remaining. Some firmly believe he cannot fly based on physical principles, while others humorously argue in favor of his ability to fly within the context of the cartoon.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes speculative and humorous claims that are not grounded in established physics, reflecting the playful nature of the topic. There are also references to other animated characters and scenarios that further complicate the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of physics and popular culture, as well as those who enjoy humorous debates about fictional characters and their abilities.

allison08
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No, right? I mean... his ears are straight! and to fly you need lift, and flying straight would give you no lift.

It's obvious that he can't, but I'm trying to figure out the laws and stuff to prove that he couldn't.
 
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The most important thing in physics is agreement with experimental data. The data clearly indicate that Dumbo could fly.
 
Ears emit flyons that clearly let Dumbo fly.
 
The term 'power-to-weight ratio' comes to mind.
 
How about the law that it was a friggin' cartoon and is intended for children. You must have a lot of time on your hands.
 
Of course he can't fly - the airflow path over the top and bottom of his ears is the same length, so there is no low pressure area!
The real question is - could Dumbo take off from a treadmill?
 
Only if he takes off tail first and somebody holds him until his ears spin.
 
OMG! This is cute! :smile:
 
FredGarvin said:
How about the law that it was a friggin' cartoon and is intended for children. You must have a lot of time on your hands.

Somebody never got to watch Dumbo as a child! :wink:

It's okay, there's still time. Just say you are buying it for your daughter or something.
 
  • #10
:smile:
 
  • #11
Why has this question even been proposed? Of course dumbo can fly! The irony is that no elephants were harmed in the making of that film.
 
  • #12
Mentallic said:
The irony is that no elephants were harmed in the making of that film.
That is incorrect. It's a little-known Hollywood dark secret that Dumbo's stunt double tried to stifle a sneeze and sprained his trunk.
 
  • #13
Danger said:
That is incorrect. It's a little-known Hollywood dark secret that Dumbo's stunt double tried to stifle a sneeze and sprained his trunk.


OMG! I heard about that!
 
  • #14
mgb_phys said:
Of course he can't fly - the airflow path over the top and bottom of his ears is the same length, so there is no low pressure area!

Thats poppy-kok. Ears can be 2-dimensionally flat for all I care.
When he flaps, air blows into his ear drum, causing a build up in pressure in his head.He brainfarts out of his ears, creating the thrust needed. This is repeatedly continually, and while this is not very healthy, dumbo is still one of the brightest flying elephants I have had the privilege of getting an autograph from.
 
  • #15
He flies like a harrier jump jet using his bumhole
 
  • #16
Dumbo could not fly. He was chosen for the role because of his cute face. A stunt elephant did all of the flying scenes.
 
  • #17
  • #18
Now that the mystery of Dumbo flying is resolved, what about:
  • Could Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse really talk like a person?
  • Could dinosaurs coexist with humans in The Flintstones?
  • Could Wile E. Coyote survive hundreds of falls from atop a 300 foot high cliff?
  • Could Superman fly, have x-ray vision, super strength, and all his other super-powers?
 
  • #19
Redbelly98 said:
Could Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse really talk like a person?
Of course they do - I've seen it on Fox! (Although Mickey seems slightly retarded)

Could dinosaurs coexist with humans in The Flintstones?
As long as they stay off the topics of religion and politics they get along fine.

Could Wile E. Coyote survive hundreds of falls from atop a 300 foot high cliff?
Of course he's a physicist!
One of my profs had worked on the Manhattan project, he said that once the 'device' had reached a certain level of assembly no scientists were allowed near it - only engineers.
The logic was that if it failed to go off, a physicist's natural reaction would be to go upto it and start wiggling wires - like Wiley underneath one of his own traps.

Could Superman fly, have x-ray vision, super strength, and all his other super-powers?
Yes, you just have to remove the tag that says - 'This cape does not permit wearer to fly'
 
  • #20
mgb_phys said:
The real question is - could Dumbo take off from a treadmill?
<snorgg> :smile:

I'm surprised this wasn't moved to philosophy instead of GD.

Ok, I think we've beaten this one to death.
 

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