Inert strength measurement on hot water soaked silica

The effect of water soaking on the strength of silica glass is studied. When silica glass is immersed in warm water and held there for an extended period of time, the strength increases over that of freshly damaged glass. The increase in strength is interpreted as the consequence of water diffusion into exposed surfaces of the test specimen, which results in swelling of the glass and shielding of cracks present in the surface of the glass. Experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions.