Curved tempered vacuum glazing: Mechanical model, preparation and wind load performance

This study aimed to establish a mechanical model for curved tempered vacuum glazing (CTVG) based on thin shells theory. By utilizing the windshield of a specific vehicle as a research object, the ANSYS mechanical simulation model for CTVG was developed. Additionally, CTVG samples were prepared and subjected to wind load performance testing. The simulation results demonstrated that the maximum support stress sustained by the CTVG reached 55.807 MPa, accompanied by a maximum glass deformation of 27.756 mu m, both of which satisfied the safety requirements. Furthermore, the analysis of the mechanical model revealed that the maximum surface stress of the CTVG under wind load was directly proportional to the square of the wind speed. The CTVG was capable of withstanding a maximum wind pressure of 1.99 kPa and a maximum wind speed of 56.427 m center dot s-1, and would be safely deployed at a vehicle speed of 203 km center dot h-1. The wind load performance test results indicated that the observed trend in the maximum surface stress of the CTVG closely aligned with the theoretically predicted values, deviating within a range of 2.7 MPa. This correspondence signified the reliability and validation of our developed mechanical model. Consequently, this research served as a foundational reference for the advancement and utilization of CTVG products, which would play a beneficial role in reducing vehicle energy consumption when used as automotive window glass in the future.