High-speed strength testing of optical fibers

High speed strength testing of proof test level flaws in optical fiber was accomplished using a conventional belt slide and a piezoelectric load cell. Stressing rates of 10,000 kpsi/s were achieved and fractographic analysis of fracture surfaces confirms the measured strengths. Even at such high stressing rates, little evidence of the inert strength was found. However, significant curvature in the log strength versus log stressing rate data suggests the presence of region II crack velocities.