For a typical automotive windshield made of laminated safety glass, the force required to break the glass is typically around 5,000 to 10,000 Newtons (N). This is equivalent to the force exerted by a 500 to 1,000 kilogram object falling from a height of one meter.
The point of impact also affects the force required to break the glass. The weakest point of a windshield is typically the center, while the edges are stronger. This is because the center of the windshield is not supported by the frame of the vehicle, while the edges are.
The thickness of the glass also affects the force required to break it. Thicker glass is more difficult to break than thinner glass.
In addition to the force required to break the glass, the impact also generates a large amount of heat. This heat can cause the glass to shatter into small pieces, which can be dangerous to occupants of the vehicle.
For these reasons, it is important to avoid putting excessive force on a windshield, as it could shatter and cause injury.
