The analysis of the residual stresses in hot bent annealed architectural soda‐lime silicate glass

Abstract This paper is focused on analyzing surface residual stresses occurring in annealed soda‐lime silicate glass, which has been bent in multiple planes. The knowledge of the distribution and magnitude of residual stresses for tempered glass is crucial to its structural integrity, safety, and quality of the final product. Using SCALP‐05 and the photoelasticity phenomenon that this device exploits, residual stresses in a series of samples of different sizes and thicknesses were measured, and the collected results were analyzed using statistical methods. The results clearly show a correlation between specimen thickness and stress magnitude, with thicker specimens showing lower stresses and variability in value. Another finding is the variable surface geometry of the specimens, which poses a challenge in making the correct measurement for the technology used. Glass bending process parameters also play a significant role in the distribution and magnitude of stresses. The results collected will increase awareness of the influence on residual stresses of parameters such as the furnace conditions during bending, the thickness of the glass used, and the designed geometry. This will allow safer glass to be designed and new design limits to be sought.