Novel method to determine blast resistant glazing system response to explosive loading

The goal of the measurement system presented herein is to provide a rich set of data detailing the forces and displacements within a Blast Resistant Glazing System (BRGS) subjected to an explosive load. Designers often rely on post test examination and develop inferences based upon forensic remains when failure occurs. A comprehensive measurement system would alleviate guesswork allowing cost effective solutions to be implemented more quickly and with more confidence. The measurement system can be divided into four subsystems. Three key physical phenomena recorded include pressure, the deflection of the window when loaded, and the reaction forces generated at the surrounding support members. High speed video, the fourth system, provides a visual record of the event. Measurement of force and deflection of the BRGS agreed within 9% of values calculated using SDOF methods. BRCS with new materials can now be evaluated more efficiently by using this measurement system. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.