An analytical model is developed which helps predict the frangibility of tempered soda-lime glass sheet from the knowledge of its dimensions, central tension, strength and edge support conditions. Indeed, the number of resulting fragments are related to central tension. Conditions for controlling the number of fragments can therefore be spelled out by specifying the central tension value which, in turn, would require modification of temper level and the strength of glass sheet. This would also lead to certain trade-offs between strength and frangibility. The model helps examine these trade-offs and select an optimum temper level which would provide adequate strength for field durability. The model is verified by center punch tests on soda-lime glass sheets with different temper level.
