Author(s)

K. Marchand, C. Davis, E. Conrath, P. Votruba-Drzal, E. Millero & G. Yakulis

Abstract

Protection Engineering Consultants (PEC), in cooperation with PPG Industries, Inc., is investigating the performance of a clear polymer coating material for windows subjected to blast loading. PEC developed a static test fixture and performed static tests to evaluate the retrofit window response. PEC then performed preliminary single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analysis, using a resistance function for the clear polymer coated glazing based on the quasi-static test results. Dynamic (full-scale blast) tests were then performed in Yancey, Texas with the assistance of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). The dynamic test results were then used to determine strain rate effects, resulting in dynamic increase factors for the static resistance functions. The clear polymer coated windows absorbed energy during the blast load through large deflections and allowed very few fragments within the test structure. This paper summarizes the test results and analysis and provides recommendations for further development of this composite glass/polymer system. Keywords: blast loads, glass fracture, glass hazards, polymer materials. 1 Introduction Monolithic (non-laminated) glass is a brittle material that shatters upon reaching fracture stress or displacement under wind, impact or explosive loads. Injury studies have demonstrated the hazards associated with skin laceration and shard blunt trauma. Materials such as polyethylene (PET) films have been used for many years to retain shards upon glass lite fracture. To have significant effect on

Keywords

blast loads, glass fracture, glass hazards, polymer materials