Influence of ambient temperature on impact performance of HPR windshields.

This paper describes one approach in defining the temperature sensitivity of the HPR windshield in real life accidents. It examines the field impact performance of the HPR windshield as related to the ambient temperature at the time of accident. Using vehicle accident data from the ACIR program, two types of windshield impact patterns, together with their resulting frequency and severity of injury, are compared. Findings indicate that occupant injury levels are likely to be higher when the windshield interlayer is ruptured on impact as contrasted with no rupture. The level of injury is generally reduced at ambient temperatures above 70 F, as compared with the lower temperatures.