Automotive side glazing failure due to simulated human interaction

Failure mechanisms due to simulated occupant interaction with tempered and laminated automobile side glazing were tested and the results discussed. Both OEM and modified glazing systems were tested under dynamic and quasi-static loading conditions. The testing showed that the extent to which the automobile glazing was able to withstand occupant interaction was dependent upon the glazing material used and the hardware design of the door system used to retain it. An overview of current glazing systems is included for comparison.