Chapter 1: Understanding Glass as a Material

Glasses are truly intriguing substances. On an atomic level, they resemble liquids, with the key distinction being that their molecules are fixed in place rather than freely moving. Imagine encountering a cluster of water molecules and asking them to take a photo together—this is akin to what glass molecules appear like when viewed under a microscope. Due to this characteristic, glasses are frequently referred to as "frozen liquids."

Furthermore, historical stained glass windows in ancient cathedrals display an interesting phenomenon: they tend to be thicker at the bottom than at the top. The prevailing explanation is that this occurs because the glass has been slowly flowing downward over time, albeit at an incredibly gradual rate.

Here, researchers have quantified the flow dynamics of glasses through the study of 'metallic glasses.' Unlike standard glass, which comprises large molecules such as silica, metallic glasses consist of individual metal atoms, making them easier to analyze.

Section 1.1: Investigating Metallic Glasses

To explore this further, small cantilevers made from metallic glasses were constructed. A precisely controlled pointed diamond anvil was then pressed against one end. This setup allowed scientists to measure how much the cantilever bent under varying levels of pressure and at different time intervals.

Subsection 1.1.1: Flow Behavior of Glass

The results revealed that at lower strains, glass exhibits behavior akin to a fluid—specifically, a Newtonian fluid, where the strain correlates directly with the applied stress. As strain rates increase, the flow behavior transitions to Non-Newtonian, exhibiting viscous characteristics. Ultimately, at even higher strain rates, the atoms lack sufficient time to relax, causing the glass to act like a solid.

This universal behavior is observed across various materials, including rubber, soil, and even mayonnaise.

Chapter 2: Visual Representations of Glass

In the video titled "Time Lapse Test - Freezing A Glass of Water," viewers can witness the fascinating process of how water transitions into a solid state, illustrating the unique properties of glass.

The second video, "Glass: a liquid structure, frozen in time," delves into the intriguing nature of glass, offering insights into its liquid-like characteristics despite its solid appearance.

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