The Role of Glazing for Car Safety

Dr. Klaus Friedewald, Matthias Rabe

Windows of modern cars aren't mere add-on parts any more. Due to the need of building light structures, they are an integrated structural element of the body in white. The important role of the glazing in respect to the torsional stiffness of the car body is well known.
This lecture covers the influence of glazing on the safety of cars. During a frontal crash, the windshield strengthens the body in white and helps to ensure structural integrity. In addition, the windshield has to support the passenger airbag. The geometry of the windshield - in conjunction with the shape of the dashboard - is an important parameter determining the exhaust direction of the Airbag. The performance of the restraint system and its aggressiveness - today a very important aspect - are influenced strongly.

Depending on application, contradicting requirements exists. If hit by the occupant, the glazing should not splinter. On the other hand, the windows mustn't hinder rescuing the occupants after the crash. That's the main reason for using different kinds of glass: compound glass for the windshield and securit-type glass for side windows.
Until today - and despite the progress in plastic technology - glass is the material with the greatest potential to fulfil the manifold, contradictory demands of car manufacturers. The main challenge of the future will be to reduce the weight of the glazing without accepting trade-offs concerning stability and durability.

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