History of this site and of 'Glass Mechanics'

 

For many years I have been doing glass research, and for many of those years that research has been in the area of 'glass mechanics'. In the course of this work,  I have come to realize that there are a number of issues that require resolution in order for a REAL UNDERSTANDING of the mechanics of glass, but also for the PRACTICAL DEVELOPMENT of a 'stronger glass'.  As indicated in a recent talk (ICC, 2006, attached), I believe many of these issues have been apparent from almost the very first studies of glass strength and mechanics.  This realization has led us to  search for a way to enhance study in such areas. Clearly better organization and collaboration are needed.

 

In 2001,  Tanguy Rouxel initiated the FFAG1 (Flow and Fracture in Advanced Glasses) meetings in Rennes, France which was then followed by FFAG2 in Trento, Italy in 2003 and FFAG3 in State College, U.S.A. in 2005. FFAG4 is being planned for Shiga in 2007 (please see the 'news' page).  These meetings seemed to show that there is much greater activity in this area now than ever before.  Also, at about the same time, GMIC (The Glass Manufacturering Industrial Council) started their "Stronger Glass" initiative.  While it may always have been desirable to have greater cooperation in the glass community for a variety of projects, there have usually been roadblocks and until now it seems, there has never been an 'easy' way to try to accomplish this cooperation.  The advent of the internet seems to present an ideal mechanism for a try at such a collaboration.  Thus in January of 2007 I (C.R. K.) attempted to launch this site C.R. with the help of GMIC, CGP, HJ and IMI.

 

As a start to this project, I have attached a link to a paper present by me and Dr. W.R. (Bill) Prindle at the 1st International Congress on Ceramics in Toronto, Canada in June 2006.  It gives a personal view of some history of glass mechanics as well as a 'roadmap' for stronger glass.