Numerical analysis of the influence of TPU interlayer thickness on the load-bearing capacity and stiffness of laminated glass

This study investigates the mechanical performance of laterally loaded structural glass laminated with Polyurethane (PU) interlayer through finite element modeling using Abaqus. The scope is to assess different structural configurations and quantify their behavior, focusing on variations in glass plate thickness and laminating interlayer. The PU layer is modeled as a non-linear elastic hardening material. A parametric exploration of two-layered glass plates bent in dual directions, based on a 4-point bending test setup, reveals that thinning the laminating surface increases structural rigidity, resulting in reduced deflection. Furthermore, asymmetrically constructed plates with a thinner lower layer and a thicker upper layer in a 5:1 ratio demonstrate a 38.46% increase in maximum load bearing on the bottom surface of the lower layers. These findings suggest practical strategies for enhancing the strength and durability of laminated glass structures. The collective work underscores the practical applications of interlayer advancements within the industry, encompassing improvements in safety, performance, and costeffective design solutions.