Measurement of Stress Concentration in Car Windshields

Automotive windshields have evolved rapidly in terms of design and size to provide better visibility and car windshields. However, they are constantly subject to a complex set of stresses resulting from bending, heating and laminating processes. This results in the formation of cracks due to tensile stresses developing near glass edges. Furthermore, the windshield glass becomes hazardous and prone to shatter. Therefore, to assure quality and avoid service failures, strain gauges are employed by automotive glass manufacturers for measuring compressive and tensile stresses at numerous points around the periphery.

The installation of foil type strain gauges on glass can be problematic due to the smooth surface of the glass. Also, the fact that surface abrasion is generally not allowed on glass or glass-like test articles makes the bonded strain gauges unsuitable for this application. Hence, for this application, our special range of strain gauges, which is designed for glass or ceramic use, is suitable. The FLAB series strain gauges by TML are installed using lead-free solder. They are protected by a unique gauge pattern and special plastics backing to provide a long fatigue life. These strain gauges can operate within the temperature range of -196 to + 150°C, owing to the special plastics backing. Integral lead wires for instrumentation are available using lead-free solder and in various types to meet usage conditions.

Recommended Sensor:

• F-series GOBLET Strain Gauge