EXPLOSION TESTS ON GLASS WINDOWS, EFFECT ON GLASS BREAKAGE OF VARYING THE RATE OF PRESSURE APPLICATION

Tests were made to determine whether or not glass windows would be of value in preventing building damage from internal explosions involving combustible dusts or vapors It was found that the effective strength of glass panes increases in an approximate linear ratio with increased rate of pressure application. It was concluded that window glass is of dubious value for explosion venting purposes, except possibly for explosions of high pressure but of very short duration, such as those that might occur if small quantities of high explosive were placed relatively near the windows.