Over 80% of replacements per year are caused by edge cracks, with
impact points less than three inches from the edge.
Edge cracks are the result of:
-
A Defect around the
perimeter of the glass due to the thermal effect of the
manufacturing process.
-
Induced stress (the second defect) from the
windshield being glued to the vehicle, which also aggravates
the weak spot. (Defect)
-
Tension fields created by the weak spot, mechanical
stress and temperature variance.
-
Fracture mechanics, where critical size and fracture
force decreases as you approach the edge.
-
Theory of Elasticity, where tension stresses are produced
around the perimeter from inside versus outside temperature
variations.
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