Search Results

The non-uniformity of temper of 27 motor vehicle door windows as measured by the polarization method is presented, illustrated by two photographs of windows between crossed polarizers. The tempered glass fracture characteristics of 11 Geo Prism door windows are illustrated by two video frames of the windows after fracturing by door deformation slowly applied at bumper level. The speed of some moderate sized fragments was measured to exceed 60 km/h, due to strain relief rather than contact by an intruding object. Glazing history is briefly summarized, with our support of the NHTSA conclusion that more than 1300 lives per year could be saved cost effectively by replacing tempered glass by an “advanced glazing.”

This paper addresses glazing road use conditions and presents the results of a research program which investigated laboratory simulations of road use A review of current testing requirements for glazing used in locations through which driver vision is required is presented to introduce the development of improved glazing performance factors. The focus of this paper is the perceived need to insure the continuing use of realistic safety performance tests as new glazing technology emerges. This paper presents results of test simulations on glass, plastic, and glass-plastic materials using elements of a road use exposure model. Both sequential and non-sequential types of testing were evaluated.