The failure of glass cylinders in diametral compression

Abstract This paper considers the failure mechanism of diametrically-compressed glass cylinders. Examination of failed specimens shows that fracture always initiates at the contact surface, and not within the cylinder as predicted by conventional theory. A tentative explanation for this phenomenon is given in terms of the three-dimensional stress system in the contact region and also of the frictional effects at the interface; in this connection, an analytical solution is given to the problem of adhesive contact between normally-loaded dissimilar elastic cylinders. The results have some relevance to the application of the well-known indirect tensile test for materials such as concrete and rock, and also to the general design of roller bearings.