Fractured marbles
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Authors
Norton, Frank
Issue Date
2024
Type
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Spring 2024 STEM Photo Contest
Description
When it's not catastrophic, thermal stress can produce interesting effects. These cats-eye marbles were heated at 200°C for 30 minutes, then dropped into ice water. The outside of the marble cooled rapidly but the low thermal conductivity of the glass kept the inside hot. The resulting shrinkage of the outside produced intense internal pressure which resulted in internal fracturing which rarely reaches the surface. Although the cause of the internal pressure is different, the effect is similar to that used in compressing the D-T pellets that are used in the inertial confinement fusion process which is currently being studied as a potential source of nuclear power.