Cone or Cylinder: Which Will Collapse First in a Landslide?

  • Thread starter kaleidoscope
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Physics
In summary, when comparing a cone and a cylinder of the same height and radius, both made of the same type of dirt and with no additional reinforcement, the cone may be more stable due to its conical shape and the potential for a hard cap to shield it from erosion. However, this is not conclusive as the second photo shows hoodoos, which have a similar shape to cupcakes with frosting, also standing tall. Further analysis is needed to determine which structure would collapse first under uniform rain.
  • #1
kaleidoscope
66
0
you have a cone and a cilynder, both are the same height and radius. Both are made of the same type of dirt and have the same density and have no additional reinforcement. you let rain fall uniformly on them, which will colapse first?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
These two attached photographs imply that cones are more stable, maybe. A hard cap will actually shield the lower rock from being eroded. The tent rocks in the first photo are very conical. The hoodoos in the second photo look more like cupcakes with a layer of frosting.

Bob S

[added] Neither photo is mine. I found them on the web.
 

Attachments

  • Tent_Rocks.jpg
    Tent_Rocks.jpg
    69.9 KB · Views: 328
  • Bisti_Badlands.jpg
    Bisti_Badlands.jpg
    57.7 KB · Views: 345
Last edited:

FAQ: Cone or Cylinder: Which Will Collapse First in a Landslide?

Which shape is stronger in a landslide, a cone or a cylinder?

In general, a cone is stronger than a cylinder in a landslide. This is because a cone has a more stable base and distributes the weight more evenly, whereas a cylinder has a flat base and can easily roll or tip over in a landslide.

What factors contribute to the collapse of a cone or cylinder in a landslide?

The main factors that contribute to the collapse of a cone or cylinder in a landslide are the shape of the object, the material it is made of, and the force and direction of the landslide. A cone with a wider base and made of stronger materials will be more resistant to collapse than a cylinder with a flat base and weaker materials.

How does the angle of the slope affect the collapse of a cone or cylinder in a landslide?

The angle of the slope can greatly impact the collapse of a cone or cylinder in a landslide. A steeper slope will exert more force on the object and increase the likelihood of collapse, whereas a gentler slope will exert less force and may allow the object to remain upright.

Can the size of the cone or cylinder affect its collapse in a landslide?

Yes, the size of the cone or cylinder can play a role in its collapse in a landslide. A larger object will have more weight and surface area to withstand the force of the landslide, whereas a smaller object may be more easily swept away or tipped over.

Are there any real-life examples of cones or cylinders collapsing in a landslide?

Yes, there have been several real-life examples of both cones and cylinders collapsing in landslides. In 2017, a large cone-shaped hill collapsed in a landslide in Shenzhen, China, causing multiple deaths and destruction. In 1982, a large cylinder-shaped oil tank collapsed in a landslide in Staten Island, New York, causing a major environmental disaster.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
62
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
981
Back
Top