Experimental and simulation studies on bending behavior of laminated glass with polyvinyl butyral and ethyl vinyl acetate inter-layers of different critical thicknesses

Bending strength of laminated glass is among the most significant mechanical property due to its architectural, glazing, automotive safety, and decorative applications. The present work includes measurement of bending strength of laminated glasses with different inter-layers (polyvinyl butyral and ethyl vinyl acetate) and their different critical thicknesses (0.38, 0.76, and 1.52 mm). Bending strength is measured using Q-set coupled bending tester (following the ASTM D790-03), and the experiment is simulated by numerical modeling using ANSYS 14.5. The effect of inter-layer type and inter-layer thickness on bending strength is clearly observed from this brief study. Laminated glass having polyvinyl butyral inter layer is found less stiff than laminated glass having ethyl vinyl acetate inter layer. The regression analysis confirmed the dependability of bending strength of laminated glass on the inter-layer type and inter-layer thickness. The significance F value shows the strong association of bending strength with inter-layer types and inter-layer thickness, and P value shows that the error in the analysis is within considerable limits. It was also concluded that higher average load is sustained by the laminated glass having polyvinyl butyral inter layer but with larger average deformation. There is an increment in average deformation before fracture with an increment in critical inter-layer thickness in both laminated glass having ethyl vinyl acetate inter layer and laminated glass having polyvinyl butyral inter layer. The conclusions may be utilized for the selection of laminated glass for the various structural, automotive, and other applications.