Mechanical Properties of SiO2vs. SiO2-TiO2Bulk Glasses and Fibers

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe mechanical properties of silica and titania-doped silica glasses, in bulk and fiber forms, are presented. These include the elastic properties (E and ν), strength distribution (in tension and bending), fatigue behavior (dynamic and static loading) and fracture toughness. Following a brief review of above properties for fused silica and ULE™ glasses (Coming Codes 7940 and 7971), used primarily for space applications, the mechanical properties data for silica and titania-doped silica-clad optical fibers are presented. The enhancement of mechanical performance of titania-doped silica clad fiber is also discussed.The effect of titania doping on fundamental properties like stress-free activation energy, crack tip pH, and deformation mode of Si-O-Si bond is discussed. In addition, the crack velocity data obtained from DCDC specimens of homogeneous silica and titania-doped silica glasses are compared in an attempt to understand the role titania plays in improving the fatigue resistance of optical fibers.