Eggs most likely to stay safe from cracks when dropped on their side, MIT study reveals

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have figured out a surprising fact: eggs are less likely to break when they fall on their side rather than on their end. The study, published on May 8 by the researchers in journal Communications Physics, has overturned the widespread belief that eggs are strongest at their ends due to their arch-like shape.

Researcher Hudson Borja da Rocha said that it is common belief that the arcs at the top and bottom redirect force and softens impact. However, compression tests and simulations show that eggs crack under the same amount of force in both vertical and horizontal directions.

The key difference, the scientists said, lies in the energy that the egg can absorb before breaking and the side (or equator) of the egg is more flexible.

How the egg drop challenge inspired groundbreaking research

According to an Associated Press report, the classic school experiment known as the ‘egg drop challenge’ partially inspired this study. In the challenge, students design contraptions to prevent an egg from breaking when dropped.

Reportedly, MIT researchers conducted 180 drop texts, dropping eggs both vertically and horizontally from heights of eight, nine, and 10 millimeters.

The result? Over half the vertically dropped eggs cracked from just 8 mm, regardless of which end faced down. In contrast, less than 10 per cent of the eggs dropped on their side cracked from the same height. Additionally, compression tests confirmed that even though the eggs require about 45 newtons of force to break in either orientation, horizontally compressed eggs could flex more before finally cracking.

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What does this mean for hard-boiling and protective design

The research may not alter how one breaks an egg for breakfast since opening it around the middle allows for the yolk and whites to release most effectively. However, it may be beneficial when dealing with raw eggs for boiling. Pouring eggs into a pot horizontally may lower the chances of spilling them accidentally, avoiding that characteristic cloudy mess.

Outside the kitchen, the results could have wider applications. Co-author of the research, Tal Cohen, said shell structures—like turtle shells, seashells, human skulls, and even virus membranes—are ubiquitous. Cohen added that learning how these structures dissipate impact could lead to innovations in protective equipment, buildings, and even drug delivery systems.

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FAQs

Why were researchers interested in examining why eggs crack?
The study offers insight not just into egg handling but also into the general research on shell structures that occur naturally and in engineering and may contribute to better designs for protective gear and dynamic structural durability.

Does that imply that eggs are more robust on their sides?
Not precisely. While eggs are more rigid when squeezed vertically, they are stronger, i.e., they can withstand more energy — when stressed horizontally, so they are less prone to cracking when dropped on their side.