Tempered glass stars
Tempered glass stars
(OP)
I am working on an idea to deploy six pointed three dimensional glass stars on icy roads when needed to raise the coefficient of friction during stopping or turning/control events. I have produced a limited quantity and found excellent results that far exceed the usual sand/salt applications. The obvious problem is the broken glass itself when it fractures on the road surface. I understand that heat tempering such a small structure (about 1/4" point to point) is difficult. Is there a possible way to temper these glass stars so that they maintain their formed shape (not sharp) until they fracture and disintegrate to glass powder the way tempered glass does when it breaks.
The concept is explained more fully at icyroads.net
The concept is explained more fully at icyroads.net





RE: Tempered glass stars
RE: Tempered glass stars
Cheapest and best? I have been working on this problem (stopping on ice) for a very long time. Having tested most every type of abrasive I could find in all sorts of conditions I found that it comes down to the shape of the abrasive. It has to be able to bite into the ice in all conditions. Crushed rock (poultry grit) works fairly well at and around 32 degrees but if the ice is colder, say 5 or 10 degrees the grit can't overcome the hardness of the ice and acts more like a dull skate. Cost isn't so much the issue as what actually works.
At this point it is very clear that shape is all important. The glass stars or studs are very effective at all temperatures even at minus 30. What is not yet clear is the material.
Regulations? MnDOT has samples and has talked about a possible study but all this is very early.
Starting? Maybe but the device carries a rather small amount around 3 pounds so using as a convenience starting my not make sense.
Thanks for the input
RE: Tempered glass stars
"On the human scale, the laws of Newtonian Physics are non-negotiable"
RE: Tempered glass stars
Yes it looks like it will just take some old fashioned r&d to sort out.
RE: Tempered glass stars
Chemical strengthening is a good idea. There is a shop in Philadelphia who I use a lot. It would be easy to try.
RE: Tempered glass stars
The concept is so unusual and new that at this point we hope to just explore feasibility and look for contacts that can point us in a likely direction.
If all else starts to come together, possibly as early as this winter, there could be a budget for such a prototype.
RE: Tempered glass stars
Dik
RE: Tempered glass stars
Its possible you could try dropping the hot stars in oil or water too. Probably won't work, but would be easy to try!
RE: Tempered glass stars
I am interested in knowing the chemical strengthening shop you use in Philly. Can you share the name??
Bruce
http://accuratus.com
RE: Tempered glass stars
RE: Tempered glass stars
-ceramicguy
Bruce
http://accuratus.com