Strength and fatigue of different kinds of weak spots from the manufacture of optical glass fibers

Torbjorn K. Svensson; Anton H. E. Breuls

doi:10.1117/12.187418

28 September 1994 Strength and fatigue of different kinds of weak spots from the manufacture of optical glass fibers

Torbjorn K. Svensson, Anton H. E. Breuls

Proceedings Volume 2290, Fiber Optic Materials and Components; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.187418
Event: SPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1994, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The reliability of long lengths of fibers in optical cables is determined by the presence of weak spots which are infrequently produced by normal fiber production methods. Particles from the atmosphere may cause weak spots on the fiber surface during the drawing process. Abrasive damage of the fiber surface may occur when physically contacting the drawing equipment. Finally, interior weakening of the fiber may occur during preform manufacture because of voids and particles, embedded inside the preform. Four representative types of such flaws have been studied with respect to their mechanical fatigue in normal atmosphere, 23 degree(s)C, and 50% relative humidity. The results are summarized in this paper. Fatigue of zirconia induced weak spots was observed in rapid tests, being significantly less or absent, at lower stress rates. No fatigue was observed in fiber with particles of chromium oxide deeply embedded in the glass. The effect of the size of particles was also studied, by comparing tensile test results with a theoretical strength distribution, based on an assumed relation between particle size and fiber strength. The size of particles appeared to have no significant influence on the atmospheric fatigue of fiber. A significant time-dependence of strength was found in weak spots caused by physical contact with glass during drawing. The static fatigue is apparently the same as for flaw-free fiber. No fatigue was found of weak spots originating from abrasive contact with metal, in the coating die.

Citation Download Citation

Torbjorn K. Svensson and Anton H. E. Breuls "Strength and fatigue of different kinds of weak spots from the manufacture of optical glass fibers", Proc. SPIE 2290, Fiber Optic Materials and Components, (28 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.187418

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