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Why Barrels Are Shaped That Way

I wondered why they made barrels in such a different shape.  It's not a neat cylinder or garbage can shape.  

"Barrels often have a convex shape, bulging at the middle. This constant bulge makes it easier to roll a well-built wooden barrel on its side, changing directions with little friction. It also helps to distribute evenly in the material by making the container more spherical."
From Wikipedia 

I could be wrong but I think the barrel's shape also allowed it to be rocked back and forth to make it easier to stand it up.


Here are the parts of a barrel:

































This is an amazing contraption!



Comments

  1. John...I love visiting your blog...you post about so many interesting things here on your bog! Things that I would never even think of! But, I am happy that you have :)

    Your Friend,
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
  2. John, I also find this very interesting.
    You know you are just a BARREL of fun! Sorry, you know I had to say it! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was going to say the rolling part. Makes sense in an age without forklifts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wonder how they engineered the barrel.
      Who thought of it first?.
      Maybe by trial and error.
      Thanks for your comment

      Delete
  4. this is really interesting, it was a good question !! saluti John a tutta la famiglia !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. e stesso per voi e voi famiglia
      I looked up some of the translation just to make sure it was okay.
      ciao

      Delete
  5. Yes, that makes sense. I never asked that question but this was interesting.

    ReplyDelete

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