PURPOSE: To show how a small change in the geometry of the can wall can dramatically affect its ability to support a load.
DESCRIPTION: An assistant balances carefully on one foot on an aluminum soft drink can. When the sides of the can are dimpled simultaneously by poking them sharply with pencil tips, the can immediately collapses.
SUGGESTIONS: Keep your fingers out of the way.
REFERENCES: (PIRA unavailable.)
EQUIPMENT: Aluminum soda can, two sharp pencils, human victim.
SETUP TIME: None.
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