Computational Modeling of Glass Panels for Mitigating the Injuries Due to Air Blast

Glass fragments are a prime source of injury to occupants of buildings subjected to explosive events during which window glass breaks into flying shards or fragments that account for injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe wounds. A successful, blast-resistant glazing design considers the principles of a reasonable degree of protection against explosive threats based on the proposed level of security and previous lessons learned. It also requires balancing of the safety and security of the window panels with physical appearance and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the response of a glass panel to different glazing system parameters and blast load characteristics. In this study, an explicit finite element analysis is used in conjunction with fracture micromechanics' principles to model the failure of annealed and fully tempered glass panels. The response of the conventionally-framed window panels to blast loading cases is dependent upon the glazing material, blast intensities and glass imperfection locations and types. These results will help develop a more comprehensive flying glass injury model that will eventually enable the decision makers to use the appropriate structural, architectural and building perimeter choices to better address the threats facing the safety of the occupants during an air blast.