Dependence of Glass Strength on the Surface Flaw Characteristics

Abstract

Biaxial testing was used to get insight into the incidence of the surface flaw properties (size, shape) on the strength of float glass specimens. Grinding grooves and Vickers' indentations were introduced as defects at the surface of annealed float glass specimens. The machined and fractured surface was observed and studied using optical and confocal microscopes. The influence of the flaw characteristics on the strength of glass was evaluated and analysed in the light of the fracture mechanics.