Myth or not? Does glass really flow?
After receiving a number of comments refuting (or at least pointing out I might be in error about) the article I cited about glass flowing and the link to Star Trek IV from the skeptics and eggheads over from the Bad Astronomy website, I looked at a fair number of articles on the web after Googling "glass flow liquid".
Interestingly enough, I found very little consensus. Apparently, there is no absolute proof of flowing glass, so I WAS mistaken about that. Glass experts seem to agree that older glass that is thick on the bottom was rolled out that way and then set in the frames so that the thick end doesn't put its weight on the thinner end. Makes sense.
However, there are a number of studies showing that glass doesn't have all the properties of a solid. What makes matters worse is that the definition of a solid is not agreed upon, either.
So, the title of my article remains, and, until the research is refuted, I stand by what I wrote (except the part about looking at older windows as proof). That particular study may prove valid. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
I love science!
And thanks for the great comments, everyone!
I have had so many pointless debates with friends and family about the state of glass. It seems, by your research and mine, that the key issue is the definition of 'solid.'
Now, when someone points out, in that 'excited to know something interesting' way, "did you know glass is actually a liquid!!!11!!one!!" I act surprised and exclaim "what? thats crazy! cool fact." It's easier than engaging in a debate on semantics, lol.
btw, great blog. I'm glad your bro over at BA linked it, I've already learned so much about tech stuff. Maybe I'll learn the best external hard drive to buy, I'm still in the dark there.
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Just a note... in Star Trek IV they didn't actually get the transparent aluminum for the whales trip rather they traded the information on how to make it for some very thick plexiglass.
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A couple of years back I was writing a blog entry on this subject, then I got very busy at work, lost the momentum of interest and never finished it. I did use part of it in a related blog post: Thickest">http://siefert.blogspot.com/2006/09/thickest-liquid-ever.html">Thickest Liquid Ever
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Thomas -
I tried following the link, but it doesn't seem to work.
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My html-fu is not what it used to be, here's the raw link:
http://siefert.blogspot.com/2006/09/thickest-liquid-ever.html
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