New insights in penguin physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of penguin fecal projectile trajectories and related fluid dynamics, with references to a specific paper on the topic. Participants explore the implications of the research, its experimental validation, and the humorous potential of the findings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a paper on the projectile trajectory of penguin feces and fluid pressure, suggesting it includes significant diagrams.
  • Others express skepticism or humor regarding the topic, questioning the seriousness of the research and its potential for an IgNobel nomination.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of experimental results to support the claims made in the paper.
  • Some participants joke about the necessity of grants for field research in Antarctica to validate the findings.
  • A participant humorously connects the topic to broader discussions about the nature of scientific work.
  • There is a mention of the number of papers on penguin fecal ballistics, indicating a curiosity about the existing literature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a mix of humor and skepticism regarding the research topic, with no consensus on the validity of the findings or the seriousness of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the comparison of the paper's findings with experimental results, and the discussion reflects a blend of serious inquiry and light-hearted commentary.

jtbell
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TL;DR
Two Japanese scientists have published a paper containing a diagram that physics students everywhere will recognize from their intro physics textbook.
Projectile Trajectory of Penguin’s Faeces and Rectal Pressure Revisited (PDF, ArXiv)

penguin.png


There's an even better diagram related to fluid pressure, but I'll let you see it in the paper. :cool:
 
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I'm not touching this even with a 10-foot dead sardine! (Do they even grow that big?)

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
Do they even grow that big?

Not while they're dead.
 
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Do I sense a possible IgNobel nomination?
 
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Where is the comparison with experimental results?
 
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Ibix said:
Do I sense a possible IgNobel nomination?
Not unless they have received a grant to travel to Antarctica to do "hands on" research. :wink:
 
Save that one to use an the answer for the next time someone asks, "What do scientists do all day?" :wink:
 
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jtbell said:
Projectile Trajectory of Penguin’s Faeces and Rectal Pressure Revisited
Revisited? How many papers on penguin’s fecal ballistics have I missed?
 
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kuruman said:
Where is the comparison with experimental results?
Their data was cr... (ahem) crud.
 
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  • #11
Linux fanboy promoting the ferocity of OS mascots (Apple is Tiger or Leopard or something) pointed out how scary a Penguine belching after 40# of herring, now Linux fans have another facet to how ferocious Penguins are.
 

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