WEFLE - Quantifying the resistance of upgraded windows to air blast impact

The explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, drastically demonstrated the destructive potential of an air shock wave. Persons can be seriously injured not only by the high overpressure of the air shock wave, but also by the flight of fragments from the destroyed components. In particular, conventional windows made of plastic or wood break at a great distance from the origin of the explosion due to the dynamic stresses.

The aim of the WEFLE research study is to develop a package of upgrade measures for conventional windows to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an explosion. Innovative patches made of fiber-reinforced plastic and plastic films made of polyester are used here. The achieved resistance to stresses from explosions is quantified on the basis of experimental tests.

Funded by: Federal Office for Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services of the Bundeswehr (Bundesamt für Infrastruktur, Umweltschutz und Dienstleistungen der Bundeswehr )(BAIUDBw)