Who is right?

Question

My husband and I are having a debate as which is structurally stronger....a sphere or a pyramid. Which is correct?

Answer 1

Eeerm I'd say pyramid?

Answer 2

First assume that the sphere and the pyramid are composed of the same material and are of the same mass.Since you state that there only one sphere and one pyramid I would say that the pyramid would be the strongest. A sphere is much more likely to move since it is of neutral stability.A pyramid is stable because it is sits on a broad base with a firm foundation.I cannot imagine a pyramid being upside down.The step pyramid in Egypt has been around for 4600 years but I have never known of any spherical structure (assuming it is of neutral stability) which only sits on one point as being stronger than a pyramid.Also since a pyramid is built using triangular sides(a triangle is the strongest structural shape) it would seem that a pyramid would be structurally stronger than a sphere.

Answer 3

I recall that I read somewhere (maybe in Buckmaster Fuller, who worked on geodesic domes) that a sphere is stronger, but this is from memory.

I'm going to check it by Googling "sphere pramid stronger?"

What I came up with is a (hilarious) exchange on the same question in a forum(which is cited below). Turns out that there, the argument arose between two people who were stoned. The gist of the exchange seems to be that the answer depends on what the circumstances are and hwo you define stronger: i.e., in terms of force vs. resistance if a load is coming from the top bearing down on the base (pyramid is stronger) or whether you are measuring force vs resistance all around (sphere). It occurs to me now that this must be why Fuller used the geodesic dome (a half sphere) as his practical and mathematically ideal building form: first, it enclosed more space useable space than a pyramid, but still retained most of the strength of a structure built to exist on a base (the ground).

Answer 4

A sphere is the right answer since it does not matter where in the sphere you will press, the resistance will always be the same.

On a pyramid.... The peaks may resist, but what if you apply preausure on any flat side of it? It is less resistant than a sphere!

Answer 5

a sphere has a universal strength, which means it is hard to break from all angles. Whereas a pyramid is strong at its points (much more stronger than a sphere), its sides however are a lot weaker than the sphere!!!!!!!

Answer 6

i recommend you google dome buildings or dome houses and have your husband read about the durability of the structures, also consider this , a ball bearing is a sphere made of steel a pyramid with the same mass as a 1 inch ball bearing would suffer much more damage than than the bearing if you smacked each with a 10lb sledge hammer,(always wear eye protection) because of the shape tha bearing will find it much easier to turn the force of a blow into kinetic energy and roll away while the pyramid would have to sit and take the blow (to his ego)

Answer 7

Pyramid.

Answer 8

Well it depends .for buildings a pyramid. but for example for a planet in the space, sphere is a stronger shape.

Answer 9

a pyramid of course a pyramid consists of a square or triangle base and triangular sides if your look at a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge for instance you will see a series of triangles a tripod works the same way triangles are the worlds strongest shape as far as structure goes

Answer 10

A pyramid will be stronger at its pionts but weaker at its flats than an orb,depends on the reason for its use as to which one is the stronger. Suggestion ,Go back to bed for a cuddle.

Answer 11

Well that would depend if it was made by a man or a woman! I'm joking.

It would depend on what they were made of but if they were both made of the same plastic, thickness ect - then I would say a sphere!

Dont forget that it is possible to stand on an egg without brecking it! Or so I have seen, however, I wouldnt try it