Static and dynamic strength of soda-lime glass under combined compression-shear loading

Abstract A modified method was employed to investigate failure of the soda-lime glass under combined compression-shear loading condition based on Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar. With double beveled ends loading blocks, shear component was introduced into the specimen, maximum ratio of which to normal stress was more than 40%. Both quasi-static and dynamic tests were conducted on soda-lime glass specimens in four different loading directions: 0°, 15°, 30° and 45°. With carefully pulse shaping, the dynamic equilibrium of the specimens and constant strain rate loading were satisfied. The progressive failure processes of the specimen illustrated via high-speed photographs manifested that axial splitting failure mode is dominated under both uniaxial compression and combined compression-shear loading. The non-axial cracks observed in combined compression-shear experiment resulted in the strength decline of specimen. Experimental results demonstrated an evident that the strength of soda-lime glass is strain rate and loading path dependent. A power law function was fitted to accurately describe the relationship between equivalent strength and strain rate. Failure surfaces at various strain rates were constructed, which allow us to have a further understanding of dynamic response and failure mechanism of inorganic glass under complex stress states.