Experimental and simulative investigation of crack systems during glass cutting

research project CrackCut

The fracture mechanics underlying the cracks that form during glass cutting are not yet fully understood. This project investigates how the fracture process, and the resulting crack formation, can be simulated and predicted using appropriate experimental investigations and material models, in combination with the phase-field method.

Project name	Experimental and simulative investigation of crack systems during glass cutting
Acronym	CrackCut
Project partner	Technische Universität Darmstadt, Institut für Mechanik – Fachgebiet Kontinuumsmechanik Institut für Statik und Konstruktion – Fachgebiet Baustatik Glass Competence Center Institut für Stahlbau und Werkstoffmechanik – Fachgebiet Werkstoffmechanik
Grantor	DFG
Duration	1.7.2025 bis 30.6.2028
Research field	M+M (E+E > Energy + Environment I+I > Information + Intelligence M+M > Matter + Materials)
Project content	The crack system that forms in float glass during the cutting process (using a cutting wheel) plays a critical role in determining the strength of the cut edge and its resistance to mechanical and, in particular, thermally induced stresses. This crack system—especially the formation and presence of secondary radial cracks and their specific characteristics—is not yet fully understood. The main objectives of the proposed research program are therefore to characterize the crack system generated during the cutting process, to identify the parameters influencing the crack system, and to determine a causal relationship between the crack system and edge strength. These research questions will be addressed through a combination of numerical simulations and experimental investigations. As part of the numerical studies, the material behavior of glass will first be characterized at the Institute for Steel Construction and Materials Mechanics (IfSW). Based on this, a phase-field model will be developed to describe the fracture behavior. Subsequently, the large-scale simulations required will be carried out at the Institute of Mechanics (IfM). Fundamental experimental investigations will be conducted at the Glass Competence Center (GCC).