Why not other shapes like triangle or square?
2006-11-15 15:13:34 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
A cylinder helps control the pressure differences between the inside and outside of the can. When pressure doesn't matter, they can be any shape (ever hear of Caprisun drink bags?).
The cylinder shape helps control the three stresses (axial, Radial, and Hoop) that a can suffers as a matter of the pressure differences between the inside and outside of the can.
2006-11-15 15:17:13 · answer #1 · answered by Pete D 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A cylinder is the most efficient use of material given the options. You can hold the largest volume with the smallest surface area. A sphere would be ideal from this perspective but would of course be problematic as a drinking container. Therefore the cylinder is the cheapest to manufacture while still being functional.
2006-11-15 15:18:38 · answer #2 · answered by Peter G 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not all drink cans are cylinders. Many foreign countries have different shapes.
But I believe that they are this way for the simple fact that you can fit more inside of a cylinder than say a triangle. If that's not true, then it might be easier to hold, or easier to store. Something along those lines.
2006-11-15 15:15:43 · answer #3 · answered by rrroboticcc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a strong container to hold contents under pressure, you avoid sharp corners; They're weak regions. The ideal pressure vessel is a sphere, but there are obvious arguments against choosing this shape. A cylinder is a good compromise. An aluminium pressurised drink can is a marvel of engineering. It is very strong yet very thin, thanks to its shape and precision engineering.
2006-11-15 17:16:20 · answer #4 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all it is not more space efficient. Think of cans in a 12 pack and emagine if they were squares. THe squares would hold more volume and take up the same effective space in the container. The fact is it just fits our hands better!!!
All of the space efficiency answers are just plain wrong.
If someone uses the efficiency factor of manufacturing a round deep drawn can... that one would be ok, but then why are plastic botlles round also... IT JUST FITS BETTER IN OUR HANDS!!!
2006-11-17 08:09:38 · answer #5 · answered by jason s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Easier to drink from cylindrical cans. Also chances of injury due to sharp projections are minimized due to cylindrical shape.
2006-11-15 15:37:26 · answer #6 · answered by Hem 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The formula for the quantity of a cylinder and cone respectively are: V of Cylinder = pi*r^2*h V of Cone = pi*r^2*h/3 Plugging the numbers in you get: V of Cylinder = pi*4.3^2*8.a million = 470.5132 cm^3 V of Cone = pi*8.6^2*5.7/3 = 441.4692 cm^3 Cone quantity is 441.40 seven cm^3 it is under the cylindrical glass. wish this helps.
2016-12-30 13:06:50 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of the way they make them
other shapes are simply to hard to make
can you hold a square can?
2006-11-15 18:11:27 · answer #8 · answered by tim s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
easier to hold and drink from
2006-11-15 15:15:46 · answer #9 · answered by BLAKE T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
easier to manufacture
2006-11-15 15:15:45 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋