Merrill
First Name
Marriner
Last Name
Merrill
Department
Engineering Studies
Scholarship Year
2025
Research Center
Non-Center Based
Scholarship Type
Uninvited Presentations
Contributors List
D. J. Monahan
Project Title
Quantifying Ballistic Glass Delamination with the Boeing Wedge Test
Start Date - Month
July
Start Date - Year
2025
End Date Anticipated - Month
November
End Date Anticipated - Year
2025
End Date Actual - Month
November
End Date Actual - Year
2025
Review Types
Not Applicable
Student Assistance
Graduate
Projected Cost
$0.00
Funding Source
Operating Budget
Resulting Product
Presentation at an international conference
Citation

Monahan, D. J. "Quantifying Ballistic Glass Delamination with the Boeing Wedge Test." International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition 2025 (IMECE 2025). American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Memphis, TN. 18 Nov. 2025. Conference Presentation.

Abstract

A large multi factorial evaluation of delamination in elastomeric bonds was performed to identify the most significant factors causing reduced fracture toughness and secondary crack acceleration leading to delamination in vehicular ballistic glass systems. Vehicular ballistic glass systems, which provide both clear lines of sight and impact resistance, are typically constructed with multiple layers of glass and elastomeric interlayers, culminating with a final, thicker elastomeric interlayer bonded to a backing polycarbonate sheet for spall protection. The ballistic glass system is then fastened to vehicles with application of a potting adhesive. Delamination in the final interface is a pervasive problem, resulting in bubbles, spots, discoloration, and overall loss of visual acuity. This delamination occurs in a variety of operating environments and even in storage, and to date has proven to be unpredictable, resulting in an estimated $10-100 million in annual costs for the US Department of Defense replacing parts that delaminated prematurely.

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