Abstract
Recent photographic observations of the failure of fused silica fibres under uniaxial load are described. Our observations show that a flexural wave emanates from a primary fracture in the fibre. When the strength of the fibre is great enough, the flexural wave causes secondary ‘explosive’ failures at other points in the fibre, probably when it interacts with the unloading dilatational wave. These secondary failures result in a cloud of particulate matter where the fibre appears to be progressively pulverized as the energy trapped in the fibre remains is dissipated.

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