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, as can be seen in an mpeg video by clicking your mouse on the photograph above.

SUGGESTIONS: Keep your fingers out of the way.

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown.)

EQUIPMENT: Aluminum soda can, two sharp pencils, human victim.

SETUP TIME: None.