I have read a number of suggestions as to why tin cans, that are used to store food for example, are ribbed, but I could not find a scientific/engineering convincing explanation. Some have said it make the can more rigid, but doesn't say how when the ribs run horizontally. What do others think?
Messaoud:
Ribbed food storage cans could offer better grip hence safety in handling. Ribbed interior substantially increases the surface area in contact with the food - we do not know in what way this would affect the quality of stored food !
Best
Syed
Hallo,
I assume that ribbed tin cans have a higher in plane or lateral stiffness, preventing buckling by lateral impact or forces. Consider a Coca-Cola tin can which is under pressure. You cannot buckle the tin can because the inner pressure holds against it. But an empty Cola tin can deforms quite easily in lateral direction. In axial direction it will still withstand quite a force, even it is empty and not under pressure. Now consider that than common thin cans for food are usally not under pressure. So the cans would be quite sensible for lateral forces. And who buys a buckled tin can from the supermarket shelf? :)
Regards
Thomas
Thank you Seyed.
Some people did indeed mention better grip, but this does not really explain it. Drink cans are not ribbed and we don't seem to have problems with the grip when holding them.
Thank you Thomas. Good explanation.
You know, I have tried it, and I can stand of two empty cans of coke!
There the lateral forces from the inner pressure, as well as vertical forces from the tin above, during transport. I am not sure the ribs help in respect of each? But I like your explanation.
Messaoud:
I have not seen a typical ribbed Can you are talking about but would want you to watch this video which changed the destiny of mankind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F_LQr8XKII
Best
Syed
Thank you Seyed. Very interesting video indeed! In fact the reason I asked the question is after I saw a programme on TV about food processing. It is fascinating to see how science and engineering concepts are used in other disciplines, such as food processing.
If I unfold the tin can, it become like a slab. So which is better flat slab or ribbed slab ?
Mohannad
It depends what you want to achieve. Ribbed slabs have some advantages over flat slabs (for example to support heavy loads), but this form of construction (ribbed) is not very common because of the formwork costs and the low fire rating.
Dear Dr. Messaoud Saïdani
You said, "support heavy loads"
As you see this is why are tin cans ribbed.
to be strong enough.
Must be to prevent buckling. The "grip" theory makes no sense - the label is smooth outside of the ribbed can portion and is often quite slippery.
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