Analysis of Localized Impact Damage in Biaxially Stressed Glass Plates

A fracture mechanics method was used to estimate the impact loads necessary to cause penetration of damage to various depths in glass plates stressed biaxially to several levels. Velocities of glass spheres necessary to obtain these impact loads were calculated using Hertzian theory. Penetrations estimated for given impact velocities were compared with experimental values; those resulting from impacts on compressively stressed surfaces were much smaller than those caused by impacts on tensile surfaces.