Material properties for laminated glass and fibre reinforced plastics – linear, non-linear and strain rate effects - Deliverable Report D321
July 2006, Confidential Document

A review of the available material models for the components of passenger cars that are contacted during collisions with pedestrians was conducted. This identified that the computer material models for two materials, laminated windscreen glass and fibre reinforces plastics (as may be used in bonnet structures), were not capable of fully representing the behaviour of these material under all impact conditions - particularly the non-linear behaviour after fracture or failure. Since a virtual testing (simulation) approach is used by all vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers for vehicle design and development it was important to have sound and robust material models for these components. Head impacts account for the majority of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries, similarly for cyclists, and these occur most frequently during impacts against the windscreen. Also, they are common in impacts against the rear portion of the bonnet and for children against the front portion of the bonnet. Consequently, a programme of testing was conducted to identify the material properties for laminated glass and fibre reinforced plastics - linear, non-linear (post fracture) and strain rate effects.

For more information on the report, please contact the Sub-Project Leader.