1 STRENGTH AND CONTACT DAMAGE RESPONSES

Although soda-lime-silicate glass is typically used as windows in ground vehicles, borosilicate glass is an interesting alternative because its density is about 10% less and therefore its use could reduce vehicle weight. The US Army RDECOM is characterizing both glasses in a variety of ways to compare their performances and judge if the use of borosilicate glass is a worthy substitute. This study supported that through a series of quasi-static strength and spherical (Hertzian) indentation tests. Their results were then combined to construct “Damage/Design Maps ” which are advocated here to help guide the use of these glasses in ground vehicles. If static strength and indentation responses are translatable to ballistic performance, then this study shows improved ballistic performance of “float-glasses ” can be achieved through appropriate selection of glass based on the thickness and the appropriate orientations of their “air” and “tin ” sides. 1