Analysis of water-drop impacts on layered window constructions

A three-dimensional, high fidelity, dynamic finite element computational model has been developed to describe the impact of a waterdrop on a structured target. This approach allows the interaction between the waterdrop and the target to be described for both normal and oblique impacts. The target can be geometrically complex and the individual components can have a broad range of constitutive behavior. The computer model allows parametric variations in the geometric and material properties of the target to be carried out to determine the most productive directions for improving its rain erosion resistance. The computer analyses minimize the need for fabricating and testing numerous material iterations to optimize a layered window candidate. Examples of the computational results are presented.