High strain rate response of laminated glass interlayer materials

During a blast event, the polymeric interlayer of laminated glass used in windows and curtain walls plays an essential role in protecting buildings and occupants. In this research, the dynamic constitutive behavior of ultraviolet (UV) cured one-component acrylic resin (UVEKOL-S), Polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and virgin PVB extracted from heat strengthened laminated glass panes were investigated at an average strain rate of 30-40 s(-1) using impact drop-weight apparatus. An analytical procedure was developed to simulate the drop weight device and calculate the drop height required for a certain strain rate. A new technique was used to investigate the mechanical properties of PVB, and UVEKOL-S before and after the breakage of the laminated glass, including each material energy absorption capacity. The results show that both PVB and UVEKOL-S, at strain rates of 30-40 s(-1) , had an initial rise in strength. However, after the maximum stress point, both materials followed a noticeable difference in their response to failure. Comparing the high-strain and static results showed that the dynamic loading significantly affects the material response and the energy absorption characteristics of the interlayer materials, and subsequently, the blast response of laminated glass panels. Sufficient data was obtained from the tests to evaluate alternative approaches to modeling PVB and UVEKOL-S materials in the blast event. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study investigated the dynamic constitutive behavior of PVB and UVEKOL-S in laminated glass under different strain rates, and found noticeable differences in their response to failure at a strain rate of 30-40 s(-1). The results suggest that dynamic loading significantly affects the interlayer materials' energy absorption characteristics, thus impacting the blast response of laminated glass panels.