Bursting the Bubble: The Fluids Mechanics That Prove Godzilla Would Survive the Plan

Nicolas Dietrich ()
Additional contact information
Nicolas Dietrich: TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 31077 Toulouse, France

J, 2025, vol. 8, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: Cinematic and pop culture narratives offer powerful tools for engaging with science by contextualizing complex principles within familiar, imaginative stories. This paper investigates the scientific feasibility of a plan depicted in Godzilla Minus One to neutralize the iconic kaiju through buoyancy reduction, exposure to deep-sea pressure, and rapid decompression. Employing principles from fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and biomechanics, the study critically examines the use of freon bubbles and additional weight to counteract buoyant forces, the effects of 1500-m oceanic pressure on Godzilla’s physiology, and the potential for barotrauma during rapid ascent. While theoretically plausible, the proposed strategies face insurmountable challenges, including logistical impracticality and Godzilla’s presumed biological adaptations. This interdisciplinary critique highlights the intersection of film and science, encouraging critical analysis of cinematic representations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the scientific principles they attempt to portray.

Keywords: Godzilla; physics; fluid mechanics; buoyancy; deep-sea pressure; freon tanks; barotrauma; scientific accuracy; cinematic science; humor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I1 I10 I12 I13 I14 I18 I19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8800/8/2/12/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8800/8/2/12/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jjopen:v:8:y:2025:i:2:p:12-:d:1625386

Access Statistics for this article

J is currently edited by Ms. Angelia Su

More articles in J from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().