Computational Modelling of VIG Plates Using FEM: Static and Dynamic Analysis

Abstract

Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) panels are becoming more and more popular due to their good thermal performance. Little information about the mechanical or strength parameters, which are crucial for the durability of a window, might be found in the published papers. The purpose of this work was to analyse the impact of different parameters on VIG panels’ mechanical properties. Parameter diversity refers to both geometrical and material characteristics. Static and dynamic analyses using the finite element method (ABAQUS program) were conducted. In addition, 101 various numerical models, created with the use of Python language, were tested. The changes of geometrical parameters were made with constant material parameters and the reverse. It has been concluded that pillars’ material and geometrical properties are crucial considering not only the static response of the VIG plates, but also the dynamic one. Moreover, it was proven that getting rid of the first row of pillars near every edge seal led to an increase in deflection of the glass panes. Additionally, considering results for dynamic response associated with out-of-phase vibrations, spacing between support pillars should be large enough in order to avoid possible damage to the glass pane due to rapidly decreasing distance between them. Further research opportunities have been described.

The Machine Learning Methods in Non-Destructive Testing of Dynamic Properties of Vacuum Insulated Glazing Type Composite Panels

“…The eigenvalues (natural frequencies) for a given set of parameters were obtained using the numerical models described in Section 2.3 . Mesh density assumption has been analysed in the same way as described in the paper [ 5 ]. Table 6 shows all the values adopted for the implementation of the numerical models on the basis of which the values of the natural frequencies were determined.…”

“…The numerical model, based on the assumptions from [ 5 ], provides accurate results because it does not omit a problem with small ratio of distance between glass panes (thickness of vacuum layer) in comparison to glass panes’ thicknesses. It should be also mentioned that in [ 5 ], authors presented that changing the value of pillars’ modulus of elasticity do not significantly influence the dynamic properties (natural frequencies) of VIG plates. Therefore, the sets of data with natural frequencies, provided for the VIG window with the same overall dimensions, are highly similar to each other.…”

“…Arya and Hyde theoretically analysed a vacuum glazing system with rigid and flexible edge seals [ 3 ], while Ashmore, Cabrera, and Kocer compared the acoustic performance of VIG and monolithic glazing [ 4 ]. Nonetheless, in [ 5 ], the authors analysed the effect of different geometric and mechanical parameters on the static and dynamic response of VIG panels.…”

Numerical Analysis, Optimization, and Multi-Criteria Design of Vacuum Insulated Glass Composite Panels

“…In the case of the three-dimensional FEM model, the displacements were blocked only in the internal panes of both plates ( Figure 3 ). In the case of blocking the displacements along the entire thickness of the glass elements, restraint would have appeared on a given edge [ 17 ].…”

“…An interesting trend in the recent research on VIG technology are studies on its dynamic properties. In [ 17 ], the authors, using an advanced FEM model, analysed a number of plates with different geometries and compared their dynamic properties. By determining the value of the natural frequency of these structures, it is possible to determine the possibility of using VIG plates in buildings exposed to external dynamic factors, such as traffic or industrial vibrations.…”