Determination of the rheological properties of high-viscous glass melts by the cylinder compression method

Abstract

A detailed description of the cylinder compression method and its application on the viscoelastic behaviour of glass melts is given with the help of closed solutions and equations in contrast to algorithmic methods, like e.g. the finite element method. Special attention is paid to the system deformation and system deformation rate of the testing equipment and to the dissipation of mechanical energy within the specimen and the heat flow from the specimen. The limits of this treatment are discussed with respect to the applicability of the theoretical basis (Gent and Nadai equation) and with respect to the experimental determination of the rheological properties of glass melts. On this basis the pure non-Newtonian viscosity, ηnN, can be determined. If very small differences have to be ascertained in the rheological behaviour of glass melts due to small differences in composition or in melting history (e.g. redox condition or bad/good workability), the same conditions concerning the mechanical and thermal equipment and even the same geometry of the glass specimens have to be strictly maintained. Comparison between different glass melts should be made rather on the basis of equal (Newtonian) equilibrium viscosity, η₀, (isochomal conditions) and not on equal temperature. Owing to large thermal effects, the slope of the viscosity-temperature curve at η₀ plays a certain role, particularly for the forming process.