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Bottoms of Diffuser Cans Are Concave - Why?

01/11/2012 6:03 AM

Is it for a reason or is it just like that?? I believe everything is for a reason...why the bottom of the diffuser (e.g. deodrant or any other spray can) is concave (sunk inside) not flat (may be, but majorly concave)??

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#1

Re: Bottoms of diffuser cans are concave;why?

01/11/2012 6:19 AM

To withstand the internal pressure, a domed shape is best. It could be either convex or concave, but if convex the container would tip over. Hence concave. Q.E.D.

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Re: Bottoms of diffuser cans are concave;why?

01/11/2012 6:34 AM

In order to crimp the can, it's the cheapest way to do it to withstand pressure...Some are one piece and sort of corrugated concentrically, the more expensive products...

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#3

Re: Bottoms of Diffuser Cans Are Concave - Why?

01/11/2012 7:58 AM

f=p/a.

A concave or convex surface increases the internal surface area. More area reduces the stress [f].

Wine bottles employ the same principle.

Or think of a stone arch above a door/opening. An arched header can withstand the forces coming from above much better than a typical door header.

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#6
In reply to #3

Re: Bottoms of Diffuser Cans Are Concave - Why?

01/12/2012 12:06 AM

NO! Your formula is wrong!

p=f/a, or f=p*a. Remember pressure is measured (in the US) in pounds per square inch. 'per' means divided by. Multiply the pressure by the area to get the force.

Greater area INCREASES the force, and therefore the stress, for a given shape.

It is the shape that is important, not the area. A thin flat sheet can support no perpendicular force (pressure) at the center and remain flat; it must have curvature.

The curved shape is able to transmit the vertical forces to the can walls, while a flat surface would bulge out until it had sufficient curvature to transmit the force. Did you ever see a spoiled can of food? Now that I think about it, I haven't seen one in many years. 60 years ago it was a fairly common occurrence. I believe I mostly remember cans of sauerkraut... They would bulge due to the internal pressure of fermentation or other spoilage.

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Bottoms of Diffuser Cans Are Concave - Why?

01/12/2012 7:39 AM

GA

I wanted to write the same, you beat me to it, well done!

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#4

Re: Bottoms of Diffuser Cans Are Concave - Why?

01/11/2012 9:31 AM

It could very well be flat, but the material would have to be much thicker to withstand the pressure, hence your shaving cream, deodorant, etc would be much more expensive

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#5

Re: Bottoms of Diffuser Cans Are Concave - Why?

01/11/2012 12:34 PM

thank you all.....

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