Gorilla Glass

[Wes Carter]

I know Verne Carlson has had some success with security laminates and I think I'm going to give them a try myself. But I saw a news story on Tech TV about a glass that Dow-Corning developed back in the 1960's but the production costs were so high with 1960's technology that they could not find a market for it then. However, with the advent of more modern production methods and smaller electronic gadget screens, they have found a market for the almost forgotten Gorilla Glass.

The videos I saw of it were very impressive, albeit with small samples. But if this stuff ever makes it into vehicles, I don't think hail will be the problem it is now. Couple it with carbon fiber body panels, and who needs the TIV?

 

[Steve Worthington]

I`m working on a project right now for next season and did a little research on the TIV`s windows. From what I have found on the net the windows wont hold up as well as one would think.
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/sci...asing-tornado-investigation-vehicle-video.htm

I haven`t talked to Sean as I dont know if he`d even talk about the windows or not but the glass company I`m working with right now is trying to tell me this will hold a 100mph 2 X4
Glass Makeup: Level E Hurricane 1/4” clear Glass – .050 saf-glas film - 1/4” Polycarbonate .050 saf-glas film – 1/4” Clear Glass

I just dont know?????????

 

[Jason Foster]

I was impressed with the lexan/plexiglass used on the DC metrorail system, especially after the June 22nd train collision. Much of the glass remained in place and unbroken. I've actually had a small piece to play with and the impact resistance is rather good. It is 1/4 thick however, making it a little tough to use in a stock/factory chase car application, but I'm still investigating. I like it because it is already tinted and that is a real plus in my book.

I would suggest for those that live close enough to a metro area with a train system to check them out. You might be able to get some surplus/scrap pieces. They won't be perfect (used), but if it is anything like what I've seen, you'll be impressed.

 

[Rob H]

Security laminate would be great since you don't have to prepare the system, it's always on, it's hopefully a one-time thing, etc. I'm planning on calling a few vendors next week to get some more information because I'd like to do something so that 1.5"-2.5" hail poses a smaller threat to the windows. One thing that concerns me is that in some cases it doesn't necessarily stop the glass from breaking, it just stops it from falling apart. I'm hoping they'll be able to provide some hard numbers on whether kinetic energy is absorbed better as well.

If you're thinking of going Lexan/plexiglass, you might want to check out Scott McPartland's Xterra for a pretty slick design:

http://www.facethewind.com/XTerra/index.shtml