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Insulating glasses (IGs) are composed by glass plates entrapping a cavity filled with a gas sealed by perimeter spacers. This composition pretends to guarantee higher energy efficiency and airborne sound insulation in buildings. The structural performances achieved by these IGs is not normally considered in detail. In fact, in codes there is no specific mechanical model for structural IGs under different loadings and boundary conditions, namely to estimate the vertical deflections when applied horizontally. For this, here a specific model, by combining some existing approaches, was proposed for two or four side supported IG under distributed/linear loadings. The main goal is to quantify if an IG follows a monolith or layered behaviour. Several analytical and numerical analyses using a finite element method (FEM) have been carried out. Then, the results have been validated against experimental laboratory measurements. Two specific IGs with different sizes have been used as case studies. Results show that FEM analyses of IGs are in close agreement with experimental measurements, whereas analytical code models are not as accurate as the numerical approach, in particular for two side supported IGs under linear loadings. Also, the effects of the gas and the interactions between superior and bottom glasses for a large IG are more relevant than for a small IG.

Reactive magnetron sputtering is a well-established physical vapor technique to deposit thin compound films on different substrates, ranging from insulating glass windows over wear-resistant car parts to high-responsive touch screens. In this way, the industrial and technological relevance drives the need to understand this process on a more profound level to make optimal use of it. Notwithstanding, the basic principles of the technique can be summarized on a single sheet of paper, and truly mastering and understanding the process behavior is not a simple task. One of the main reasons is the often strong non-linear response of the reactive system to changes in the operation parameters or to small system fluctuations. This aspect of reactive sputtering is embodied by the occurrence of a hysteresis in the system observables as a function of the operation parameters. It is the existence of the hysteresis that troubles optimal deposition and process control on the one hand and gives voice to the intertwined physical and chemical complexity on the other hand. The aim of this tutorial can be considered as threefold: to acquaint the reader with an insight into the concept of the hysteresis during reactive sputtering, to touch some of the possibilities to eliminate the hysteresis, and finally, to present how to control this hysteresis in a stable operative sense. To this end, the reactive magnetron sputtering process will be formulated in practical parameters and by two discriminating phenomenological global models: the original Berg model and the reactive sputtering deposition (RSD) model. The reactive sputtering of Al in an O 2 /Ar atmosphere under direct discharge current control will be used as a reference system. The models are able to describe the hysteresis effects, giving an insight into their origin and the possibilities to eliminate them. The discharge description can, in this context, be reduced to the current/voltage or I V -characteristic and its response to a changing target state. The tutorial concludes with the existence of a double hysteresis effect and an explanation based on the RSD model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Guangdong Architecture Civil Engineering is the property of Guangdong Architecture Civil Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Known calculation approaches for the determination of internal natural convection in inclined plane-parallel insulating gas layers have been developed above the critical Rayleigh number in the post-conductive regime. The most well-known correlation function which is used in solar thermal collector design assumes pure conduction below the critical Rayleigh number. However, recent measurements on insulating gas layers in standard flat-plate and insulating glass solar collectors show that this assumption leads to an underestimation of the heat transfer between the absorber and the front cover of the solar collector. In the presented study measurements on insulating glazing were carried out. A correction function is proposed which characterizes the heat transport processes below the critical Rayleigh number taking into account for convective heat transfer. The dependent variable of the correction function is the aspect ratio of the insulating gas layer, which has a significant influence on the flow regimes and thus the heat transport phenomena that occur. • Measurements on insulating glazing. • Convective heat transfer in the formerly known conductive regime. • Aspect ratio dependent correction for heat transfer below critical Rayleigh number. • New correction function for free convection calculation approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition) is the property of South China University of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To produce insulating glass that meets today's rising demands for thermal insulation, aesthetics and transparency, the traditional way of producing such insulating glass becomes more and more difficult if not impossible, as more and more large formats and complex curved insulating glass is being requested. Standard insulating glass production lines are not designed to handle insulating glass in complete sheet sizes of 6.3 × 3.21 m. Yet, the requirements of designers and constructions that want to fulfil the rising demand for maximum transparency and higher needs for thermal insulation even request glass sheet sizes of sometimes more than 15 m to give architectural projects the openness and the least frame and seal interruptions that are possible. Larger glass sizes also means thicker glass. As it is impossible to process curved glass fully automatically, and even more out of scope to process this to insulating glass, this has to be done in manual assembly operation and with a lot of hands on experience. The larger the glass panes become, the more difficult it gets to find appropriate automatic processing machinery that can handle these large sheets. But even more one wants at least the highest possible machine support on large format plane or flat insulating glass. This is now possible. For both applications, large format insulating glass and curved insulating glass that also can become fairly large and heavy, there are now edge seal systems in place and proven in both artificial aging and in real service life experience available. This even make the production of complex and unordinary insulating glass easy. These insulating glass systems define new borders of sizes and design. A number of actual and recent projects in the presentation show what is possible and lead the way to further stress the borders of the possibilities in architectural design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of brittle thin glass with ductile polycarbonate leads to innovative composite panels. Two outer thin glass panels with one or more inner polycarbonate sheets represent an alternative to conventional laminated safety glass as security safety glazing with a resistance against manual attack. Following development to multi‐pane insulation glazing presents the additional advantages of the composite panel to thermal insulation. This study documents the design of single thin‐glass polycarbonate composite panels as security glazing to multi‐pane insulation glazing with the highest resistance class P8B against manual attack. The paper describes the evolution of the insulation glass unit and the experimental research to reach the defined values of resistance class, heat transfer coefficient and energy transmission. This results in slighter single composite panels and insulation glazing as an innovative alternative to common laminated safety glass as security glazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aside from external cladding pressure loads that are always considered in IGU design, a variety of unique factors must also be addressed when analyzing the structural performance of a slumped IGU with a large air cavity. These factors include the volume of air within the cavity, the stiffness and strength of the outer and inner lites of glass, elevation changes between the glass fabrication facility and the building site, temperature changes over time, fluctuations in barometric pressure, and increased stress on the secondary structural perimeter seal. Appropriate deflection limits for mullions or other elements supporting the IGU must also be established due to the increased stiffness of the IGU resulting from the slumped glass geometry. Engineering challenges related to the design of slumped IGU’s will be highlighted and explained using Nike’s new retail flagship store in New York City, Nike House of Innovation 000, as a case study for a dynamic facade featuring custom carved and slumped insulating glass units. Principal analysis methods, testing procedures, and a summary of the various software tools used to evaluate the slumped IGU’s will be provided. The solutions shown will illustrate how the fundamental design and engineering approach taken for Nike can be successfully applied to other projects that incorporate slumped IGU’s into their facades.

Copyright of CE/Papers is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Guangdong Architecture Civil Engineering is the property of Guangdong Architecture Civil Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Finite element stress analysis of glass panels in insulating glass units (IGU) is carried out based on the temperature field determined by serial numerical simulations of the conjugate heat transfer varying with the ambient temperature and solar radiation during a year. The hermetically sealed gas cavity between glass panels is modelled by finite elements and the stress is analyzed when the gauge pressure is maximum positive or negative due to gas temperature change at different seasons. The influence of the primary and secondary sealant of IGU is discussed. The combination of loadings due to thermal expansion and to cavity pressure is analyzed. Important conclusions about IGU structure and its durability are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For their flagship store in New York City on 5th Avenue, Nike is realizing a visually dynamic façade incorporating carved and slumped insulating glass units. Their concept for a lenticular membrane combined with monumental graphic patterns required a research and design phase to develop a suitable material solution, followed by a rigorous verification process during a compressed retail project schedule to confirm the custom carved and slumped glass product would meet the project's aesthetic goals and performance requirements. This article details the process undertaken from Design Concept, to a Prototype, through Design Documentation and Bid, on to Full‐Size Visual Glass Mockups, Material Testing, Performance Testing, and Production Control Sample review. Façade installation is expected in the 3rd quarter 2018, with project completion January 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A study to characterize surface and structural properties of 3D-printed metal substrates for multilayer inkjet-printing is presented. Such substrates can enable and alleviate the fabrication of smart and functional packages, implants or spare parts. For the characterization, a multilayer structure composed of an insulating layer and a superposed conductive layer is inkjet-printed onto the various 3D-printed metallic substrates. The printing is done using equivalent settings for all substrates. The characterization is based on microscopic and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) images, as well as profilometer and contact angle measurements of the substrates. Furthermore, microscopic images and four-point-probe resistance- and profilometer measurements are carried out, to gain insight into the quality of the multilayer print. We show the diversity in surface and structural properties of 3D-printed substrates, also for those fabricated using the same process. Also, the 3D-printed samples exhibit different wettability properties than metals processed using standard processes. Finally, we can also demonstrate the suitability of selected substrates for inkjet-printing. Highlights • An experimental study to characterize 3D-printed metal substrates and their surfaces for inkjet-printing is presented. • Multilayer structures composed of an insulating layer and a superposed conductive layer, inkjet-printed onto various metallic substrates. • Characterization based on microscopic and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) images, profilometer and contact angle measurements of the substrates. • Microscopic images and four-point-probe resistance- and profilometer measurements to gain insight into the quality of the multilayer print. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, solar heat gain through glass daylighting roof is deeply studied by theoretical calculation method, taking Guangzhou in the Hot Summer and Warm Winter (HSWW) zone as an example. The direct solar radiation is calculated by Bouguer formula whereas the diffuse solar radiation is calculated by Berlage formula, representing the basis for the calculation method of the solar radiation intensity through the glass daylighting roof. Through the establishment of solar radiation calculation model, the solar heat gain of the commonly used glass types has been calculated and analyzed, especially comparatively analyzing of Low-E cored-glass with double-coated silver and 6+12A+6 insulating glass. Then, comparison between solar heat gain as calculated and measured by field measurement tested the indoor solar radiation heat gain distribution by using adjacent rooms with different glass types in a hot summer area, with the aim of demonstrating the effectiveness of the model. The research in this paper is expected to further improve the calculation accuracy of both thermal load and indoor temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) windows provide the benefits of generating electricity, reducing building cooling and heating energy consumption, and efficiently utilizing daylight simultaneously. In this paper, the overall energy performance of a PV double skin façade (PV-DSF) and a PV insulating glass unit (PV-IGU) is studied through comparative experiments on a test rig in Hong Kong. The PV-DSF means ventilated PV-DSF by default, if not special mentioned. It is found that the average solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs) of the PV-DSF and the PV-IGU are 0.152 and 0.238, while the U-values are 2.535 W/m 2 K and 2.281 W/m 2 K. The results indicate that the PV-DSF has better performance than PV-IGU in reducing solar heat gains, while it has worse performance regarding thermal insulation. With a lower PV module temperature, the energy conversion efficiency of PV-DSF is 1.8% better than PV-IGU. Simulation models for the PV-DSF and the PV-IGU are developed and validated against experimental data. Using the validated models, the overall energy performances of PV-DSF and PV-IGU in five different climates of China are investigated. The results show that the average energy saving potential of the PV-DSF and the PV-IGU are 28.4% and 30%, respectively, compared to the commonly used insulating glass window in five different climates. On average, the performance of PV-IGU was 2% better performance than the ventilated PV-DSF in the five representative cities. However, if an appropriate ventilation control scheme was adopted, PV-DSF can have a much better performance than the PV-IGU. The models developed in this study can be used for selecting suitable PV windows in the design process, and the results achieved can be used as a guideline for utilizing PV windows in different climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of insulating glass units (IGU) is standard practice to reach a high thermal performance of the building envelope. Infrared thermography (IRT) offers a quick, non-destructive method to evaluate their thermal performance in situ. By visualizing surface temperatures, the thermal resistance of IGU’s may be estimated. Due to the low thermal mass, a situation close to steady state conditions can be obtained quickly under stable weather conditions. However, the specular reflectance of glass and its relatively low emissivity (0.837) may result in unreliable infrared images. In spite of these obstacles, the use of IRT could address a practical need from the building industry as other inspection tools often render inadequate. This paper investigates the potential of IRT for thermal performance estimation of IGU’s. Firstly, a sensitivity analysis on the boundary conditions was conducted using numerical simulations. Subsequently, quantitative IR-measurements were conducted on different glass types, in the lab and in-situ. Results show that specular reflection should be avoided to obtain reliable measurements. Finally, the thermal resistance of IGU’s was calculated with the measured surface temperature, both in the lab and in situ. This showed that the use of inaccurate outside and inside heat transfer coefficients and non-representative inside and outside temperatures renders inadequate thermal resistances, even if IRT was executed in cloudy windless weather and with a temperature difference over 15 °C across the IGU. In these conditions, only single glazing, IGU’s without low-e and IGU’s with low-e coating are distinguishable. This undermines the practical implementation of IRT as assessment tool for IGU’s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulating Glass Units (IGUs), widely used in windows, building skins and facades, are composed of two or more glass panes, sealed by perimeter spacers entrapping a gas. The interaction between panes and gas is structurally beneficial, because it permits the sharing on the panes of the applied loads. However, the actual role of the spacers in the load sharing, in particular when the IGU is not supported at all sides, is not yet fully explained. Here, this problem is analytically solved by starting from the study of plates with two opposite edges simply supported, and the other two supported by elastic beams. Analytical solutions, obtained by using infinite series approaches, are provided for rectangular plates under uniform/linear/punctual loads, and parametric analyses have been carried out to evaluate the influence of the bending and torsional stiffness of the beams on the plate response. The obtained solutions are then used to evaluate the response of a full IGU, proposing an engineering approach providing practical values for the design. Comparisons with numerical analyses by finite element method, with reference to different IGU geometries and loading conditions, confirm the accuracy of the proposed approach: the mean gap is of the order of 1–2%. • The paper provides analytical solutions and practical tables for IGUs design. • Square/rectangular glasses under uniform/linear/punctual loadings are considered. • Real influences of the spacers (bending/torsional stiffness) for IGUs are estimated. • Advanced analytical, parametric and numerical analyses are carried out. • Comparisons with numerical findings confirm the accuracy of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the energy performance of an a-Si semi-transparent PV insulating glass unit (IGU) via numerical simulation and experimental tests. Combined with the measured optical and electrical characteristics of the PV laminate, an integrated model was developed to simulate the overall energy performance of the PV IGU in EnergyPlus. Outdoor experiments were conducted to validate the accuracy of the simulation model. The proper consistency between the simulation results and the experimental data indicated that the simulation model was reliable for predicting the overall energy performance of PV IGU. With the validated model, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate the influences of air gap depth and rear side glass, and an optimal design scheme was proposed to maximize the energy efficiency of PV IGU in Hong Kong. Finally, the energy saving potential of the optimized PV IGU compared to the other commonly used window systems was evaluated. It was found that the energy saving potential of the optimized PV IGU was 25.3% and 10.7%, respectively, compared to the single clear glass window and the Low-E glass window. The methodology developed in this study is expected to provide a useful reference for simulating the energy performance of PV IGU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, standard semitransparent photovoltaic (PV) modules can largely replace architectural glass installed in the windows, skylights, and facade of a building. Their main features are power generation and transparency, as well as possessing a heat insulating effect. Through heat insulation solar glass (HISG) encapsulation technology, this study improved the structure of a typical semitransparent PV module and explored the use of three types of high-reflectivity heat insulation films to form the HISG building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) systems. Subsequently, the authors analyzed the influence of HISG structures on the optical, thermal, and power generation performance of the original semitransparent PV module and the degree to which enhanced performance is possible. The experimental results indicated that the heat insulation performance and power generation of HISGs were both improved. Selecting an appropriate heat insulation film so that a larger amount of reflective solar radiation is absorbed by the back side of the HISG can yield greater enhancement of power generation. The numerical results conducted in this study also indicated that HISG BIPV system not only provides the passive energy needed for power loading in a building, but also decreases the energy consumption of the HVAC system in subtropical and temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der hermetisch abgedichtete Zwischenraum von Isolierglas bietet entscheidende Vorteile und ist deshalb auch Kennzeichen von Mehrscheibenisolierglas nach DIN EN 1279. Andererseits verhindert die Abdichtung einen Druckausgleich mit der Umgebung und die durch Temperatur- und Luftdruckänderung entstehenden Druckdifferenzen können erhebliche Werte erreichen und sogar bis zum Glasbruch führen. Bei großen Höhenunterschieden zwischen Herstellung und Einbau wird deshalb eine Anpassung an den äußeren Luftdruck vor Ort hergestellt. Bei sehr großem Scheibenabstand, wie er z.B. für die Integration von Sonnenschutz erforderlich ist, sind solche Maßnahmen aber nicht ausreichend. Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit den Möglichkeiten eines Druckausgleichs und stellt erste Ergebnisse des ift Forschungsprojekts 'Druckentspanntes MIG' vor. Completely relaxed − A new approach to insulating glass. The hermetically sealed cavity of insulating glass units offers significant advantages. Therefore, it is the prominent characteristic of insulating glass in accordance with DIN EN 1279. The seal prevents a pressure equalization with the environment. Pressure differences, resulting from temperature and air pressure change, can achieve significant values and even lead to glass breakage. Therefore, for large height differences between production and installation place, an adjustment to the external air pressure is produced on site. For very big cavities (e.g. for the integration of sunscreens) these measures are not sufficient. The article deals with the possibilities of a pressure equalization and presents the first results of the IFT research project 'pressure relaxed MIG'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogel glazing system has become a promising energy-efficient window glass owing to its extremely low thermal conductivity and high visual transmittance. Two newly developed aerogel glazing systems (viz. #4 and #5) and three common glazing systems (viz. clear glass #1 and insulating glass #2 and #3) are investigated on the component heating and cooling load of a model building to evaluate their feasibility in various climates in China by using eQuest code. The building energy efficiency of 20, 11 and 9% could be obtained in Harbin, Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, as clear glass #1 were replaced with aerogel glazing system #5. The results demonstrated that the aerogel glazing system was extremely feasible in Severe Cold Region and significantly feasible in Cold and Hot-summer Cold-winter Regions. Effects of heat transfer coefficient (U) and shading coefficient (SC) of the glazing system on building energy loads were evaluated to further optimize glazing systems. The results demonstrated that the total heating load in colder climate reduced by 73% as the U of glass was decreased from 5.5 to 0.5 W/(m2 K). The total cooling load in warmer climate reduced by 16% as the SC was increased from 0.916 to 0.423. The findings could be of great potential in the selection and optimization of the glazing system in different climate zones aiming at building energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main function of a building façade system is to provide comfort and protection to interior building spaces. In a blast event, façade components become the weakest part of a building and the blast-induced shock wave may breach the facade and injure building occupants due to flying debris. There is increasing popularity in the use of double-skin façade systems (DSFSs) in modern façade construction because of their energy efficiency advantages. In addition to their improved energy performance, DSFSs can increase the blast-resistant capacity of a building. However, due to the complex structural interactions between DSFSs and blast-pressure waves, there is a lack of design codes that account for the performance of DSFSs under blast loading. This paper reports on an experimental program of analogical DSFSs that consist of steel panels as opposed to glass panels, subjected to a 250 kg equivalent TNT charge weight at a stand-off distance of 52 m (250 kg@ 52 m). Three different DSFS compartments with varying ventilation areas were tested. Numerical analyses of the structural responses of a DSFS were then conducted based on the pressures recorded in the experiment. A comparative study was conducted on the blast performance of glass panels, based on the design procedures of current standards and numerical techniques. It was found that the current standards for double-glazed insulating glass (IG) units greatly overestimated the blast performance of DSFSs by simplifying the load-sharing factors. This paper further identifies the critical parameters of DSFSs when assessing their responses to blast pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work presents a new method to evaluate the thermal performance of transparent and semi-transparent materials under real operating conditions. The methodology could be particularly useful to test innovative materials and composites whose thermal properties are not known. It is easily reproducible, low cost, with a low technical impact. The proposed method uses experimental devices named “Solar Test Boxes” (STB) and a dynamic simulation software: IDA Indoor Climate and Energy. The outdoor measurements inside and outside the test boxes are used to accurately calibrate the dynamic simulation model of STB with the objective to obtain the global thermal transmittance ( U ) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of the test sample. The paper illustrates the methodology and the application of the method for the determination of the thermal characteristics of a light diffusing insulating glass. The application of the method to the case study allowed estimating SHGC with accuracy below ±10%. The U -value yields a poor result due to the lack of measurement range (required temperature difference) to assess this parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the fibre density distribution in a layer of glass wool was investigated. Our study included an analysis of the air suction flow velocity in the collection chamber and measurements of the glass wool density at the exit from the collection chamber. Glass wool density was measured by two different methods. The first method employed a camera visualization followed by the analysis of image greyness. The second method involved an x-ray device through which the glass wool layer was passed. A good correlation between air suction flow velocity and glass wool density was determined (r2=0•81). Based on the key parameters that influence the transversal fibre density distribution in a layer of glass wool and with the aid of measurements made with the x-ray device, a regression model was formed. Model constants were determined from experimental results obtained in a glass wool collecting chamber. Results show a good correlation between measured and modelled transverse fibre density distribution (r2=0•84). By using the proposed regression model, the optimal transverse fibre density distribution can be achieved more rapidly, leading to an improvement of end product properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared low-density foam glasses from cathode-ray-tube panel glass using carbon and MnO 2 as the foaming agents. We investigated the influence of the carbon and MnO 2 concentrations, the glass-powder preparation and the foaming conditions on the density and homogeneity of the pore structure and the dependence of the thermal conductivity on the foam density. The results show that the moderate foaming effect of the carbon is greatly improved by the addition of MnO 2 . A density as low as 131 kg m −3 can be achieved with fine glass powder. The foam density has a slight dependence on the carbon and MnO 2 concentrations, but it is mainly affected by the foaming temperature and the time. The thermal conductivity of the foam-glass samples is lower than that of commercial foam glasses with the same density. The lowest value was determined to be 42 mW m −1 K −1 for a foam glass with a density of 131 kg m −3 . A further improvement in the closed porosity could potentially decrease the thermal conductivity even further, and thus our approach has great potential in terms of a thermal insulation material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with monotonous, quasistatic cyclic and dynamic testing of timber-glass composite wall panels. The goal of the testing was to analyse the general behaviour of timber-glass walls and the failure mechanisms that occur in such structures. First the basic properties of the adhesives (used to connect the timber and glass) were investigated. Experiments were performed on epoxy-, silicone- and polyurethane-based adhesives. These were followed by tests on timber-glass walls, which consisted of 2·4 × 2·4 m timber frames and insulating glass units glued to the timber frame with a polyurethane adhesive. Two types of such walls were used: () frames with one large glass panel or () two smaller glass panels with one timber post in-between. The wall panels were subjected to monotonous tests, according to EN 594, and quasi-static cyclic tests, according to ISO 16670, in order to analyse the wall's ductility, strength and stiffness degradation. Various combinations of one- and two-storey building set-ups were also tested on the shaking table and subjected to recorded and modified accelerograms. The tested set-ups present a starting point for finite-element modelling that will result in a more comprehensive parametric study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The durability of vacuum insulating panels included in the cavity of insulating glass panels has been studied using a heat flow meter to monitor the thermal conductivity evolution upon accelerated aging. The study highlighted that, thanks to the high degree of protection of the inner cavity against moisture, the vacuum insulation panel maintains its thermal insulation performances even after 25 weeks of cycling from −20°C to 80°C and from 10% to 90% relative humidity. In comparison, unprotected vacuum insulation panels show a steady increase of thermal conductivity, which is setting them close to the end of their theoretical service lifetime. Comparing the slopes of the thermal conductivity evolution over time, the calculated degree of protection provided by such an assembly is superior to 10 in comparison to unprotected panels. This mode of protection could be useful to extend the lifetime of vacuum insulation panels in various building applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A surface-localizedenzymatic AND gate based on scanning electrochemicalmicroscopy was designed and studied. The gate is composed of an insulatingglass surface modified with the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) and anothersurface opposing it made of a microelectrode. The latter was modifiedwith a second enzyme, invertase (INV). The distance separating themodified microelectrode and surface controlled the output of the ANDgate produced upon the biocatalytic reaction of the confined enzymes. Specifically,as the GOx-modified glass substrate entered the diffusion layer ofthe microelectrode, it catalyzed the regeneration of an electron-transfermediator, ferroceniummethanol, generated electrochemically at thetip by oxidizing glucose, also generated at the tip, by catalyticcleaving of sucrose by INV. To enhance the activity of the GOx, mutarotasewas added to convert α- to β-glucose to be further consumedby GOx. Hence, an increase of the current at the microelectrode wasobtained by approaching the glass surface only in the presence ofall the components. This is the first micrometer-sized biomolecularlogic gate, of which we are aware, that is surface-confined and showsthe promise held by the localization of biomolecular information-processingspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the feasibility of producing insulating glass ceramic from thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) waste glass and calcium fluoride sludge by vitrification and ceramization processes. This study also explored the effects of MgO as a modifying agent on the flexural strength and dielectric constants. Five different mixing ratios of waste and MgO were analyzed. The major mixture composition is CaF2–MgO–SiO2–Al2O3. In the experiments, the initial glasses were obtained by vitrifying mixtures and then heating the initial glasses to produce glass ceramics. The mixture in which the proportion of TFT-LCD waste glass to calcium fluoride sludge was 7 to 3, with 5 wt% MgO added, underwent complete densification at a relatively low temperature (780 °C). Compared to other mixtures, its flexural strength (140 MPa) was higher, and its dielectric constant (6.4 at 1 MHz) was lower. With increasing MgO content, the initial glasses exhibited lower crystallization temperatures. The results also indicate that densification is considerably hindered by the onset of crystallization, resulting in a decrease in the apparent density and flexural strength. The results demonstrate that the TFT-LCD waste glass with calcium fluoride sludge as the fluxing agent and MgO as the modifying agent can be used as a raw material for producing insulating glass ceramics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We study the square-lattice Bose-Hubbard model with bounded random on-site energies at zero temperature. Starting from a dual representation obtained from a strong-coupling expansion around the atomic limit, we employ a real-space block decimation scheme. This approach is nonperturbative in the disorder and enables us to study the renormalization-group flow of the induced random-mass distribution. In both insulating phases, the Mott insulator and the Bose glass, the average mass diverges, signaling short range superfluid correlations. The relative variance of the mass distribution distinguishes the two phases, renormalizing to zero in the Mott insulator and diverging in the Bose glass. Negative mass values in the tail of the distribution indicate the presence of rare superfluid regions in the Bose glass. The breakdown of self-averaging is evidenced by the divergent relative variance and increasingly non-Gaussian distributions. We determine an explicit phase boundary between the Mott insulator and Bose glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Insulating glass (IG) units typically consist of multiple glass panes that are sealed and held together structurally along their perimeters. This report describes a study of edge seals in IG units. First, we summarize the components, requirements, and desired properties of edge construction in IG units, based on a survey of the available literature. Second, we review commercially available window edge seals and describe their properties, to provide an easily accessible reference for research and commercial purposes. Finally, based on the literature survey and review of current commercial edge seal systems, we identify research opportunities for future edge seal improvements and solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) electrophoresis microchip with a thickness-controllable insulating layer for capacitatively coupled contactless conductivity detection is presented. A PDMS film is spin-coated on a glass slide with Pt microelectrodes to be the insulating layer, and then permanently bonded with a PDMS channel plate to make the whole microchip. The thickness of PDMS films can be precisely controlled down to submicrometers. With a microchip with a 0.6μm-thick PDMS insulating layer, a superior limit of detection (LOD) of 0.07μM for Na+ was obtained. For comparison, another two microchips with the same design but different insulating layer thicknesses (15μm and 50μm) were tested, and LODs were 1μM and 3μM respectively, which are almost two orders of magnitude higher. Moreover, the microchip detector also exhibited excellent linearity, reproducibilities and separation efficiencies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Der Aufsatz 'DIN 18008 - Teil 1 und Teil 2 - Was ändert sich gegenüber der TRLV?' [1] verdeutlicht die wesentlichen Veränderungen hinsichtlich des Sicherheitsniveaus bei der Bemessung von linienförmig gelagerten Mono-, VSG- und Isolierglas-Scheiben unter gleichförmiger Beanspruchung. Die systematische Betrachtung wird hier weitergeführt für Nutzlasten und Ausfallszenarien, bei denen für letztere die außergewöhnliche Einwirkungskombination nach DIN EN 1990 verwendet wird. Es werden die Einwirkungskombinationen exemplarisch angegeben und die Sicherheitsniveaus von TRLV und DIN 18008 gegenübergestellt. DIN 18008 - Design and structural regulations for construction products of glass - Imposed loads and failure scenario. In 'DIN 18008 - Teil 1 und Teil 2 - What changes with respect to TRLV?' [1] the significant changes about safety levels for design of linearly supported safety glass and insulating glazing with constant loads have been considered. In the present publication systematic investigations are continued regarding failure scenarios, extraordinary load combinations and the effects of imposed loads for buildings. Special load combinations are exemplary presented. The safety levels of TRLV and DIN 18008 are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a three-dimensional numerical simulation method for blast response calculation of insulating glass in a curtain wall based on multi-material arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation and high-performance computer. The whole analytical model consists of explosion, air, curtain wall system, and ground. In particular, detailed components including insulating glass panels, aluminum column, silicone sealant, and other parts in the curtain wall are set up in terms of actual size and actual assembly. This model takes account of the coupling between blast and structure, nonlinear material behavior, brittle failure of glass material, and non-reflecting boundary definition. Final calculation has been performed on the Dawning 4000A supercomputer using the finite-element code LS-DYNA 971 MPP. The propagation of shock wave in air and blast-structure interaction is quite well estimated by numerical calculation. The damage regions of outer and inner glass are reproduced in the numerical simulations, which are in agreement with the experimental observations. The result provides a global understanding of insulating glass panels under blast loading in the curtain wall system. It may be generated to supplement experimental studies for developing appropriate design guidelines for curtain wall systems as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]