Can Dropping Glass on the Floor Cause Spalling and Ejection of Particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of glass spalling and the potential for ejection of glass particles when a jar is dropped. Participants explore whether the force of the break can propel glass shards upward, particularly in the context of a jar containing eye cream.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the force from the broken glass could propel pieces upward, potentially landing on nearby clothing.
  • Another participant suggests that the cream inside the jar would likely prevent glass particles from being ejected upward.
  • A different viewpoint acknowledges that while particles can be ejected upward, the specifics regarding the quantity and size of these particles are uncertain.
  • One participant expresses a personal concern about broken glass due to OCD, emphasizing a desire for logical and scientific reassurance rather than legal action.
  • There is a note that the behavior of the jar can vary significantly depending on its contents, with references to personal experiments to illustrate this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the extent to which glass particles can be ejected upward or the impact of the jar's contents on this phenomenon. Multiple competing views remain regarding the mechanics of glass breakage and particle ejection.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the variability in behavior between different contents of jars (e.g., water, cream, peanut butter) but do not resolve the implications of these differences on particle ejection.

mollyhudson
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I was at the store today and the clerk helping me dropped a jar of eye cream on the ground a few feet away from me. It was quite shattered. I could hear the glass continue to travel outward along the floor (and see the fallout when I looked down), but I'm wondering if the force of the fall/break could send the glass upward as well. In other words, could the glass pieces be propelled upward and over to have landed on my jeans, jacket, etc.? Thank you for your help.
 
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The cream most likely would keep that from happening.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It sounds like you are digging for dirt to use in a lawsuit.

Yes, particles can be ejected upward when glass breaks. How many, how tiny and how far up are difficult questions to answer, but my guess is not enough to make a case for your injury in a lawsuit. Look at this slow motion video.

Vanadium 50 said:
The cream most likely would keep thast from happening.
There can be spalling from the outside surface that ejects particles that never contacted the cream.
 
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Oh, I can assure you litigation never crossed my mind! Even when I've been in bonafide car accidents that have caused injury and not been my fault, I haven't asked for a dime. Rather, I have OCD and tend to obsess/panic/worry over things like this. Broken glass in particular is a big trigger for me. I'm trying to use logic, reason, and science to get myself to calm down and thought you all might be able to lend an expert opinion. Thanks!
 
mollyhudson said:
Oh, I can assure you litigation never crossed my mind! Even when I've been in bonafide car accidents that have caused injury and not been my fault, I haven't asked for a dime.
Thanks for clarifying that, and Welcome to the PF.

I'm glad that you weren't hurt by flying glass, and your clothes were not stained. Must have made a mess! :smile:
 
anorlunda said:
There can be spalling from the outside surface that ejects particles that never contacted the cream.

There can. Nonetheless there is a huge difference in behavior between an empty jar, a jar full of water, and a jar full of cream or peanut butter. I know this through experiment. :smile:
 

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