Using a hydrogen gas torch to seal edges of vacuum glazing panels and analysis of the related characteristic strength according to the sealed edge shapes

Abstract

The edges of vacuum glazing panels sealed using a hydrogen-mixed gas torch are of various shapes, which affect the strength of vacuum glass. The characteristic strengths were analyzed according to the edge shapes. Specimens with different edge shapes were manufactured to study the characteristic strengths according to the edge shapes. Three shape parameters (thickness, radius, and deflection) were selected to numerically represent the edge shapes, and the cross-sections were measured accordingly. The four-point bending test was employed on the prepared specimens. Furthermore, the Weibull distribution, which is a statistical analysis method commonly used to study product failure and malfunctioning, was employed to analyze the experimental results. The strength and fracture distribution of the sealing shape were confirmed using the shape parameter and scale parameter of the Weibull distribution. In addition, the cross-sectional shape with the maximum strength was determined by taking into account the characteristic strength and safety factors proposed by major countries. Therefore, it can be applied to the production of vacuum glass by sealing the edge of the glass using the hydrogen-mixed gas torch in the cross-sectional shape satisfying the strength performance of the sealing parts.