Crushing the 55-gallon Drum

From UO Physics Demonstration Catalog

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Crushing the 55 Gal Drum.gif

Description:

POP CAN: A small amount of water is placed in a pop can. The can is placed on a hot plate and heated until steam is coming out the top. The can is grasped off the hot plate and immediately turned upside-down into a beaker of cold water. The condensed steam reduces the pressure & the can collapses.

OR Plastic Pop or Water bottle: Connect to a Vacuum Pump and air is sucked out collapsing the bottle,

55-GALLON DRUM: The same process can be used to collapse a 55-gallon drum.

  • A Vacuum Pump is connected to a 55 gallon Drum and air pumped out until drum collapses.
  • Heated: The drum with a small amount of water in it is heated with a large propane burner. When Steam is coming out the top, the drum is sealed and the flame turned off. The drum is then cooled with spray bottles. When the steam condenses the drum dramatically collapses. (Live version available depending upon work load.) More dangerous, Better to use the vacuum pump.

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