Stress-optical coefficients are used in the determination of stress in glass. They are particularly useful in determining the magnitude of thermal residual stresses for annealing or pre-stressing (tempering) glass. As such, they can be important in specification acceptance.

1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the stress-optical coefficient of glass, which is used in photoelastic analyses. In Procedure A the optical retardation is determined for a glass fiber subjected to uniaxial tension. In Procedure B the optical retardation is determined for a beam of glass of rectangular cross section when subjected to four-point bending. In Procedure C, the optical retardation is measured for a beam of glass of rectangular cross-section when subjected to uniaxial compression.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.