Evaluation and Comparison of Glazing Performance in Impact Tests

FMVSS No. 205, Glazing materials, uses impact test methods specified in ANSI/SAE Z26.1-1996. NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Test Center evaluated a subset of ANSI test methods including the 227-g ball, shot bag impact tests, fracture test on tempered glass, and the ball test and dart test on laminated glass. Other research studied potential changes to tempered glass strength due to the ceramic paint area (CPA) and compared the performance of 12-by-12-inch flat samples and full-size production parts. Glass evaluated included tempered rear quarter, sunroof, and backlight glazing and laminated windshield glazing. A modified shot bag with stiffened sidewalls was compared to the ANSI standard shot bag. Overall trends showed a decrease in glazing strength due to the CPA when struck with the 227-g ball. The ECE R43 fracture test location produced larger pieces than the ANSI fracture location. Laminated ball and dart tests produced similar results. Sample and production tests also generally had similar results for both the tempered and laminated glazing.