Measuring mechanical properties of glass

Russell J hand


As glasses are brittle, and therefore flaw sensitive, materials making meaningful measurements of their mechanical properties poses particular challenges. For example in measuring strength one has to consider whether the flaws in the test-pieces reflect those in the real component. Meanwhile in measuring fracture toughness how does one ensure that the strength controlling defect is sharp? This talk will review the major techniques used in measuring the strength of glass (and glass products), toughness, hardness and moduli and the precautions that need to be taken in making these measurements.