Modeling of Insulated Glass Durability: Development of a Simulation Tool

Russell Pylkki, Aspen Research Corporation
Michael Doll, Pando Technology

This paper presents a simulation tool (computer model) developed to predict the durability of insulated glass units. This model is included in the activities of “An Insulating Glass Knowledge Base,” a project funded by the United States Department of Energy. Simulations of two design classes of insulated glass units (IG) were made: box spacer and thermoplastic (extruded) spacer. The user defines the design of the IG system including the glass, spacer and sealant dimensions. The current release of the simulations is a time-based model, which steps through the life of an IG unit comparing a set of user defined strengths (and failure criteria) with the stress input from an environmental data file, which includes temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity.

The effort to deliver the foundation for a comprehensive IG durability simulation tool is necessary to address advancements needed to meet current and future building envelope performance goals. This need is based upon the current lack of IG field failure data and the lengthy field observation time necessary for this data collection. Ultimately, the simulation program is intended to be used by designers throughout the current and future industry supply chain. The use of the simulation tool is intended to advance IG durability as expectations grow around energy performance. In addition the tool has the immediate benefit of providing insight for research and improvement prioritization.

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