Over the years, progress in glass science in general and in the science and engineering of glass strength in particular, have suffered because of the small size of the community available for glass research, and by the persistence of 'secrecy' in the industry . In recent years however, there has been an upsurge in activity in many areas of 'Glass Mechanics' around the world. In view of the increasing use of electronic communications, it was felt that taking advantage of the internet might be a way to stimulate contact and collaboration and to simplify the dissemination of information. For instance it would allow:
1. the publicizing of activities in this area
2. promotion of collaboration between the 'glass mechanics' community and the 'greater mechanics' community
3. the posting of references, manuscripts, data
4. the search for experimental or theoretical help/collaboration
PURPOSE
The purpose of this web site is to promote cooperation among scientists/engineers who are active in areas of 'glass mechanics'. Here, 'glass mechanics' is meant to include all of the following, but not necessarily to exclude many more:
1. strength
2. strengthening
3. indentation
4. hardness
5. crack nucleation and growth (fatigue)