The Pringles they are among the most recognizable chips in the world, not only for their flavor, but also for theirs particular form. This feature is not accidental: the prings have in fact the shape of a hyperbolic paraboloidone geometric structure with very interesting properties from the engineering and mathematical point of view.
One of the main functions of this form is the Creaters protection inside the tube. Thanks to the double curvature of the hyperbolic paraboloid, the chips better distribute the weight, reducing the probability of breakageespecially for those placed on the bottom of the package. In addition, the form facilitates the orderly stacking of chips, optimizing space and improving the efficiency of the packaging.
From a structural point of view, the hyperbolic paraboloid is known for its robustness. In architecture and engineering, this form is often used to build light but resistant roofs and structures, as in the case of the London Velodrome or the Saddledome Scotiabank in Canada. Its double curvature allows you to distribute the loads evenlyavoiding the formation of stress points that could lead to structural sagging.
How prings are produced
This property also applies to Pringles: the particular shape makes the chip more resistant than a classic flat chips, reducing the possibility that it breaks in a predictable way. In fact, when it breaks, the fracture takes place in different directionscreating fragments of irregular forms.
But how are Pringles produced? Unlike traditional chips, they are not simply cut by slices of potatoes, but they are the result of a dough composed of bows of potato, rice, corn and wheat. This dough is spread in a thin layer and then cut into precise forms.
Each chip then comes modeled on a mold which gives the typical curvature, quickly fried, dried and finally seasoned with the aromas. Once ready, the chips are stacked and inserted in the famous cylindrical pipes.
In addition to the functionality, the form of the hyperbolic parabolid also gives the prings a captivating aspectmaking it a perfect example of how mathematics and engineering can influence even the simplest details of everyday life.
