Electromagnets that whirl cars through the air - in 'Fast & Furious 9', Vin Diesel alias Dominik Toretto uses this technology to create action. But can it really work? Tom Schirbel, a pupil at Christian-Weise-Gymnasium Zittau, asked himself this question. Together with his physics teacher Ramona Tschüter, he decided to test this spectacular film scene scientifically as part of his special learning achievement (BELL).

Tom received support from Holger Neumann and Hagen Hoffmann from the Institute of Process Engineering, Process Automation and Measurement Technology (IPM) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. In an elaborate project, he investigated the physical principles and explored the question of whether electromagnets would actually be able to attract or even repel vehicles.

The initial results were clear: electromagnets only exert attractive forces - the repulsion of cars is pure fiction. However, attracting is also more difficult than expected. Tom calculated the forces that would be required to move a vehicle against the friction of the road surface. The result: around 30 kN, comparable to the weight of three small cars. Using a test rig he designed himself, he checked the results on a smaller scale. It became clear that magnets strong enough to attract a car would be so large that they would never fit into the Dodge Charger driven by Dominik Toretto.

The conclusion of the project: Hollywood exaggerates enormously, but that is precisely what makes such scenes so appealing. Tom's work shows how exciting and revealing it can be to explore the boundaries between fact and fiction - and how films can inspire people to experience science in a lively way.

Tom's conclusion:
"Working with the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was a super exciting and motivating experience for me. What was initially expected to be sober turned into an open, cordial and humorous collaboration. The knowledge was conveyed in a practical and understandable way - no comparison to the sometimes dry lessons at school. For anyone thinking about gaining practical insights and developing their skills at the HSZG, I can only say: take this opportunity! It's worth it."

Text: Holger Neumann and Hagen Hoffmann
Photos: Stephan Düsterhaupt