Wide Range Static Strength Testing Apparatus for Glass Rods

Abstract

By adapting an electro-dynamic loudspeaker, an apparatus was assembled to test the strength of glass rods in flexure. This apparatus will apply the stress in 2 to 3 milliseconds and permit static loading for times as short as 0.01 second. Using an additional long time loading apparatus, which simultaneously tested eighteen rods, it was possible to run static fatigue tests on glass rods from 1000 seconds to 86,400 seconds. The method of testing and errors due to the apparatus are discussed.