2/9/2008 1:50:50 PM

Quote :

"how many pounds do you think 45 gallons of crushed cans would weigh?"

density of aluminum (i'm assuming 2011-t6) = .102 lbs/in^3

1gallon = 231 in^3

if it were a solid block 45gallons in volume, then:
45gallons * 231in^3/gallon * .102 lbs/in^3 = 1060lbs

now its a question if what percentage of the 45 gallom volume is actually taken up by the aluminum.
i'd guess 3% or 4%. so 1060lbs * .03 = 31.8 lbs

you could figure this out by placing a crushed can in some known volume of water and measuring the increase in volume due to the can. then measure the weight of a dry can and figure out the density of the crushed can.

[Edited on February 9, 2008 at 5:35 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on February 9, 2008 at 5:36 PM. Reason : proofread]

2/9/2008 5:35:11 PM