Crushing Multiple Cans: 8n Force Needed?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the efficiency and force required to crush multiple cans joined together end by end and arranged in columns on a platform. The suggestion is made to do a free-body diagram to better understand the forces involved and optimize the project design. It is also mentioned that crushing the cans at an angle may make them buckle easier, but it is more efficient and easier to crush multiple cans at once. The question of whether the crush strength of 8N applies to each column or if it needs to be multiplied is also raised.
  • #1
Dan32
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This is possibly a very silly question, I am not experienced in this field.

I am creating a Can Crusher for a project.

If it takes 8n to crush a can. Will it still take 8n to crush multiple cans joined together end by end?
Also, if multiple cans were being crushed on a platform, against another platform. Let's say, 4 cans on the platform side by side, all vertical. Will it take 8n to crush all 4 cans side by side?

Thanks,
Dan.
 
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  • #2
Have you tried doing a free-body diagram of the forces on the cans in both configurations?
 
  • #3
Dan32 said:
This is possibly a very silly question, I am not experienced in this field.

I am creating a Can Crusher for a project.

If it takes 8n to crush a can. Will it still take 8n to crush multiple cans joined together end by end?
Also, if multiple cans were being crushed on a platform, against another platform. Let's say, 4 cans on the platform side by side, all vertical. Will it take 8n to crush all 4 cans side by side?

Thanks,
Dan.

Tim's hint is good for your question. In addition, though, on a project optimization issue, are you just pushing down on the cans to crush them, or are you doing something else first to lower the force (significantly) needed to crush the can?
 
  • #4
CanCrusher.png


Is this correct? So no matter how many rows or columns long, It will crush them all?

berkeman said:
are you just pushing down on the cans to crush them, or are you doing something else first to lower the force (significantly) needed to crush the can?

Originally, I designed it to crush the cans at an angle, to encourage the cans to buckle easier. However, It is much more efficient and easier to crush multiple cans at once.

Thanks for the help
 
  • #5
Surely each column has the 8N crush strength, so multiple columns will require multiple times 8N to crush reliably. Obviously there could be uneven stacking, so one column is carrying the load for a bit, but once the load is shared, 8N will not do the job.
 

What is meant by "Crushing Multiple Cans: 8n Force Needed"?

Crushing Multiple Cans: 8n Force Needed is a scientific experiment or inquiry that aims to determine the amount of force needed to crush multiple cans simultaneously.

Why is it important to know the force needed to crush multiple cans?

Knowing the force needed to crush multiple cans can help in designing more efficient can crushers, as well as understanding the structural strength and durability of cans.

What materials are needed for the experiment?

The experiment requires multiple empty aluminum cans, a can crusher, a scale, and a measuring instrument such as a ruler or caliper.

What is the procedure for conducting the experiment?

The cans are placed in a can crusher, and the force is gradually increased until all the cans are crushed. The force is measured using the scale, and the measurements are recorded. This process is repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy.

What factors can affect the force needed to crush multiple cans?

The thickness and material of the cans, the design and efficiency of the can crusher, and the placement and alignment of the cans can all affect the force needed to crush multiple cans.

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