Designing for blast performance for glazing units can be very complex. The test methods for evaluating performance include subjecting units to actual or simulated blast conditions, which occur rapidly on a very short time scale. Connecting laminated glass to a metal frame using structural silicone sealant creates a unique composite based on the use of a brittle plate with an elastic soft rubber to a ductile rigid metal.
Glazed units were tested with a shock tube charged with various levels of explosive to record the damage development with various modes of failure of the material. Two test results were modeled to compare to the actual observations. Based on the outcome, techniques for effective modeling are discussed as well as future needs.
