Glass fragments

[cmledbet]

I am looking for the approximate size of glass fragments from a light bulb which exploded. This light bulb was over a pool and the fragments are not easily retrievable. However, I am concerned about them going through our strainers in the pool. The strainer removes particles of 5mm or larger in size.

I realize that any size is feasible, but what size is realistic?

Any references would be great as well. (I am nuclear and don't get into these kind of questions very much

Thanks in advance,

Cindy Ledbetter
cmledbetter@tva.gov

 

[bilge]

I can't help but think that the size particles depends on the size (and, hence, thickness of the glass ) and the manufacturer.

Might this be a question best answered by a little experiment on your part?

 

The size of the fragments will be proportional to the stress that broke it. I have friends in the lighting industry to do further work if necessary, but I think you'll find them to be mostly large chunks with the exception of the point of origin. There is a book out that discusses glass bottle breakage which will be the closest you'll find on the subject. "Fractography of Glass" by Bradt and tressler.

 

[bilge]

I would suggest a little experiment. Get one of the water filters used by back-packers (the "Katadhyn" sp? is best) which are used to filter out giardia and lung-worm cysts and see what if anything it picks up.

Because of "static fatigue" in a water envirnoment, the glass fragments will likely get smaller over time.

 

Disagree with the static fatigue theory. No energy for fracture although plenty of fracture sites. However a water environment will cause the glass to stain from calcium carbonate in the water.... I agree with glassman although you may need a basic fracture mechanics book to go along with Bradt and Tressler's compilation of articles...

 

[sajuvn]

Use toughened glass protective covers over bulbs. They almost never break.

-sajuvn@yahoo.com , India