Local strength evaluation and proof test of glass components via spherical indentation

Hertzian contact crack formation combined with acoustic emission was used to evaluate the local strength of glass in situ. The relationship between the critical load and the strength of the glass sample was established. Based on this model, a strength proof test was designed to examine the reliability of glass components in service. Moreover, a new testing device was designed and made for accomplishing this test. It has been demonstrated that this simple testing method is convenient and available for measuring or estimating the surface strength of a glass component in service, without using a standard specimen and a rupture test in laboratory.