Modeling Studies for Impact Resistance and Structural Rigidity of Lightweight Laminated Windshields

Dr. M.A.Khaleel, K.I.Johnson

Finite element models were used to quantify i) impact damage and ii) structural rigidity of a vehicle as a function of the windshield design. In particular, the effects of glazing thickness and laminate construction (whether symmetric or asymmetric) on impact stresses in glass plies and torsional rigidity of vehicle frames were analyzed using finite element models. The results of these analyses show that the conventional, symmetric, windshield can be redesigned to achieve significant weight reduction without impairing its impact strength or its contribution to vehicle rigidity. Thus, design optimization using finite element modeling can lead to lightweight laminated windshields without compromising the occupants' safety.

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