Glass Fragment Hazard from Windows Broken by Airblast

Abstract : This report presents shatter overpressures as a function of window size and orientation. Average values for fragment velocity, mass, and spatial density are given in relation to blast overpressure. The velocities of fragments for 50-percent probability of skin and body-wall penetration in addition to skull fracture are presented as functions of fragment mass. The protection afforded by clothing is indicated. The number of wounds and their severity is predicted as a function of either fragment velocity or blast overpressure for people behind windows in structures.