Grinding of Glass: Surface Structure and Fracture Strength

An investigation is described of the surface structure and fracture strength for grinding of glass under various conditions. The surface structure of finished glass surfaces was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Surfaces ground using a silicon carbide wheel exhibited extensive flow over the surface, while surfaces ground with diamond wheels appeared to have been generated by brittle fracture with some evidence of localized flow. The relative amounts of flow and fracture on the diamond ground surfaces for various grinding conditions are related to the number of cutting points per unit area of finished surface. Grinding conditions resulting in relatively more flow were generally found to lead to higher fracture strengths.