UWTSD Hosts Third Collaborative Research Conference with Belron®

11 March 2024

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) proudly hosted its third and largest collaborative research conference to date with Belron®, the world’s largest automotive glass repair and replacement company.

On February 28th. Twenty-four Belron® senior executives and engineers, representing the US, UK, and various European countries, were given an exclusive tour of UWTSD’s Wales Automotive Glass Research Centre (WAGRC) facilities.

During the conference, Professor Kelvin Donne delivered a keynote lecture highlighting the groundbreaking research conducted at WAGRC over the past fifteen years. Sponsored by Belron®, WAGRC houses a licensed ballistics facility and conducts experimental research on windscreens. Notably, the laboratory boasts a target chamber capable of operating at temperatures ranging from -10°C to +50°C, making it a unique facility in Europe.

Managed by Professor Kelvin Donne and Jordan Jenkins, along with a technical team comprising David Cooper and Mark Fall, WAGRC has amassed extensive data over the last 15 years by measuring thousands of stone impacts onto windscreens. This data plays a crucial role in informing the ‘Science of Belron®’. Advanced computational modelling is employed to analyse ballistics impact events and the subsequent ‘chip-to-crack’ phenomenon. The simulation work is calibrated against experimental results obtained from the ballistics lab, ensuring accuracy and reliability in the research findings.

“The University of Wales Trinity Saint David was delighted to welcome representatives from Belron® to our campus,” said Professor Kelvin Donne. “We are truly excited about the prospects of future collaboration and the mutual benefits it holds for both organisations. The visit has been immensely worthwhile, providing an opportunity to showcase our state-of-the-art facilities and exchange valuable insights. We look forward to working closely with Belron® in advancing automotive glass technology and safety standards. We’d also like to thank Prof Chris Davies and Dr Gwen Daniel at Belron® for their continued support.”

Professor Chris Davies, Head of Technical Research & Innovation at Belron® is a Professor of Practice at UWTSD and Dr Gwen Daniel is the Head of Technical Research.

The collaborative efforts between UWTSD and Belron® underscore a commitment to advancing automotive glass technology and safety standards. By leveraging cutting-edge research facilities and expertise, both entities continue to drive innovation in the field, ultimately benefiting consumers worldwide.