Project

The project is aimed at the improvement of existing numerical methods to simulate windscreen behavior under crash loads. Specific importance is derived from the lightweight roof structures and the resulting overall stiffness contribution of the windscreen. Being a complex composite material consisting of glass, polymer foils and adhesives, existing numerical models for windscreens are not predictive with respect to analyzing their deformation and failure behavior under dynamic loading conditions. This relates both to the numerical methodologies and to the constitutive material models. Fraunhofer EMI will mainly focus on the experimental high-speed characterization of the windscreen components whilst the SAFER partners are primarily engaged with quasi-static testing and the numerical modeling part. The mathematical description of the material behavior is seen as an intersecting set between numerical methodologies and material testing and shall be conducted in a common effort. The material characterization of the involved materials would demand a wide spectrum of tests in order to identify the most important factors, to find a predictive and efficient material model and to derive the related set of parameters.