On the Strength of Glasses

TL;DR

This paper uses the random first order transition theory to explain the strength of glasses, linking it to elastic modulus and frozen configurational energy, and provides quantitative predictions matching experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework connecting glass strength to microscopic energy states and elastic properties, validated by quantitative agreement with experiments.

Findings

Strength depends on elastic modulus and frozen configurational energy.

Stress catalyzes cooperative rearrangements affecting strength.

Quantitative predictions match measurements for metallic, silica, and polymer glasses.

Abstract

The remarkable strength of glasses is examined using the random first order transition theory of the glass transition. The theory predicts that strength depends on elastic modulus but also on the configurational energy frozen in when the glass is prepared. The stress catalysis of cooperative rearrangements of the type responsible for the supercooled liquid's high viscosity account quantitatively for the measured strength of a range of metallic glasses, silica and a polymer glass.