Should the “flat” ends of winery barrels be concave or convex?

Question

Consider a very large wooden barrel, such as the kinds used in wineries. Should the “flat” ends be concave or convex? Why?

Answer 1

Interesting. I would say convex, because the "bulge" would increase their overall capacity.

Wood doesn't expand, so this wouldn't necessarily be an issue.

On the other hand, the pressure inside increases as the fermentation process continues, and like the bottom of a soda can, the concave shape is better suited to withstanding pressure.

Answer 2

Concave or convex kind of depends on your frame of reference...from outside the barrel it would look like the opposite of the way it looks from inside the barrel.

I would think the bottom of the barrel (ouch!) would be stronger if it was curved into the barrel (convex from inside the barrel, concave from outside the barrel unless covered by a flat piece to hide it). This would seem stronger to me than the opposite, but it would also displace some wine in the barrel.

Answer 3

Concave end should be better since it can direct the pressure towards the sides of the barrel. The centremost point also gets the support of the ourter parts, so can withstand more pressure.

Answer 4

man, convex is something bulging out
concave is a depression.
i am sure that it is 100% correct

Answer 5

concave. this will allow for expansion