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Effects of Gravity on ZBLAN Glass Crystallization
Author(s) -
TUCKER DENNIS S.,
ETHRIDGE EDWIN C.,
SMITH GUY A.,
WORKMAN GARY
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1324.012
Subject(s) - zblan , crystallization , materials science , sounding rocket , specific gravity , composite material , mineralogy , geology , thermodynamics , physics , astronomy , fiber , fiber laser
A bstract : The effects of gravity on the crystallization of ZrF 4 ‐BaF 2 ‐LaF 3 ‐AlF 3 ‐NaF glasses have been studied using the NASA KC‐135 and a sounding rocket. Fibers and cylinders of ZBLAN glass were heated to the crystallization temperature in unit and reduced gravity. When processed in unit gravity the glass crystallized, but when processed in reduced gravity, crystallization was suppressed. A possible explanation involving shear thinning is presented to explain these results.