The engineering behind the aluminum can
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Saw this on Reddit.
What product has spent the most time being engineered? The single-use aluminum beverage can.
Since their release in 1957, aluminum cans have become the most engineered products in the world. The shape of the can allows the can be as light as possible and still be stacked and shipped. Securing the pull tab to the can was another engineering marvel where the failure point near the tab when you pull it allows the pressure inside the can to aid opening. Plus, since the pull tab is attached, the entire product could be recycled with no waste.
The hole has been designed for maximum pourability.
The shape of the can is the most efficient so when being shipped, the can takes up as little room as possible and still maintain its role in carrying liquid. The concave shape at the bottom of the can allows for less aluminum than would be needed with a flat bottom. The sidewall of a can is 75 microns. Once filled and sealed, the can can hold up to 80psi in pressure before the bottom starts to push out.
More time has been spent engineering a can than any project you can name. The Space Shuttle, jumbo jets, the Manhattan Project all have less engineering time than the ongoing development of the aluminum can.
Link to video -
My favorite part, I didn't realize the "fulcrum" on the tab is actually aided by the pressure inside the can to lift it up and therefore help push the tab down.
@89th said in The engineering behind the aluminum can:
My favorite part, I didn't realize the "fulcrum" on the tab is actually aided by the pressure inside the can to lift it up and therefore help push the tab down.
Hopefully your daughter asks you about aluminum cans, you are so prepared right now.
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I saw this video and about 10 others from the same guy years ago. Hell I think it was George who shared some around.
yes, I watched the whole thing.
