Characterization of soda lime glass response to shock impact

We present an experimental study of a planar shock wave interaction with soda-lime glass, a brittle material common in architectural applications. Using high-speed imaging and pressure measurements, we characterize shock-induced fragmentation and energy dissipation at several Mach numbers. The mechanical response is analyzed through a study of time-resolved crack propagation process, fragmentation characteristics, and timing of crack events. Shock wave parameters are quantified via transmission and reflection coefficients. Significantly, glass fragmentation begins with a quantifiable delay after the initial shock impact, allowing a reflected shock wave to form and propagate upstream, with a high pressure zone forming on one side of the glass. Results show pressure signal transmission and reflection properties that vary nonlinearly with shock strength. The strength of the initial shock also appears to affect the fragmentation process, producing smaller, more numerous fragments at higher Mach numbers.