Dynamic tensile behavior of soda-lime silicate glass: the effects of loading rate, specimen size and stress waves

Using flattened Brazilian disk (FBD) tests, the effects of loading rate, specimen size and stress waves on the tensile behavior of soda-lime silicate glass were investigated. Quasi-static, dynamic uniaxial unidirectional (UU) and uniaxial bidirectional (UB) tests were accomplished. A newly developed apparatus, electromagnetic split Hopkinson pressure bar (ESHPB), was applied to generate dynamic loading. The real-time deformation and fracture process of specimens were captured by a high-speed camera. The test results revealed that the tensile strength of this glass is largely dependent on specimen size, although there was no apparent rate effect within the concerned loading rate range. In addition, there was minor difference between the dynamic UU and UB strength, indicating a negligible stress wave effect. This observation is quite distinct from the dynamic compressive tests of similar brittle solids. These mechanical behavior and their differences were explained by the fracture process captured by high-speed camera.