Fracture toughness analysis on cracked ring disks of anisotropic rock

Summary  This paper presents a combination of the Boundary Element Method (BEM) and the cracked ring test to determine the mixed-mode (I–II) fracture toughness of anisotropic rocks. The proposed BEM is used to accurately calculate the Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) of a cracked anisotropic plate. An anisotropic Hualien marble of Taiwan with a distinct foliation was selected to conduct the cracked ring tests. Based on the measurement of the failure load during the test, the mixed-mode (I–II) fracture toughness can be determined. Experimental results show that the radius ratio, inclination and crack angle significantly affect the fracture toughness. The mode-I fracture toughness (K _IC ) is shown to decrease with the increase in hole diameter, whereas the mode-II fracture toughness (K _IIC ) increases with the increase in hole diameter when the crack angle β is equal to 0°. The experimental methods proposed have the advantage that the material is easily prepared, the test procedure is simple, and the cost is low. Correspondence: Chia-Hau Chen, Chao-Shi Chen, Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 701 Tainan, Taiwan     

复合型加载条件下锈岩断裂韧度试验研究

岩石断裂韧度表征其抵抗裂纹起裂和扩展的能力,作为其力学性能的一个重要指标,在岩石力学理论研究与岩体工程应用中有着不可替代的作用。由于岩石结构的复杂性,其破坏形式大多呈现为复合型断裂破坏,研究复合型加载条件下岩石断裂韧度具有重要的意义。为了研究锈岩的断裂力学性能,以便其在建筑工业中得到更为广泛的应用,通过18个中心裂纹圆盘（CSTBD）试件径向受压试验,进行了复合型加载条件下锈岩断裂韧度的试验研究。测得了锈岩在纯I型,纯II型以及复合型加载时的断裂韧度,并将试验结果与基于广义最大周向应力（GMTS）准则的理论值进行了对比分析,结果表明：锈岩的纯I型断裂韧度为1.01 MPa?m0.5,而纯II型断裂韧度为1.51 MPa?m0.5,是纯I型断裂韧度的1.49倍,这与基于GMTS准则的理论值1.34非常接近,而比基于最大周向应力（MTS）准则的理论值0.87大很多。裂纹尖端附近的T应力及断裂过程区裂纹尖端的临界距离rc对岩石类材料的开裂路径以及复合型断裂韧度都有较大的影响。考虑了T应力的广义最大周向应力（GMTS）准则能很好的预测试验结果。     

Typical Upper Bound–Lower Bound Mixed Mode Fracture Resistance Envelopes for Rock Material

Mixed mode fracture experiments were conducted on Harsin marble using two disc-shape samples namely the Brazilian disc (BD) and the semi-circular bend (SCB) specimens. For each specimen, a complete fracture toughness envelope ranging from pure mode I to pure mode II was obtained. The experimental results indicate that the mixed mode fracture toughness depends on the geometry and loading conditions such that for any similar mode mixture, the BD test data were significantly greater than the SCB fracture toughness results. Therefore, the conventional fracture criteria which present a unique mixed mode fracture curve, fail to predict the test results. It is shown that a generalized criterion, which takes into account the effects of geometry and loading conditions, is able to provide individual fracture curves for theses specimens with very good estimates for the test results obtained from both BD and SCB specimens. The BD and SCB specimens can be suggested as appropriate specimens for obtaining typical upper bound and lower bound envelopes for mixed mode fracture toughness of rocks.     

Effect of Specimen Geometry and Testing Method on Mixed Mode I–II Fracture Toughness of a Limestone Rock from Saudi Arabia

Summary The effect of testing method and specimen geometry such as diameter, thickness, and crack length and type on measured fracture toughness was investigated using specimens collected from a limestone rock formation outcropping in the Central Province of Saudi Arabia. Straight Edge Cracked Round Bar Bend (SECRBB), semicircular disk specimens under three point bending, and Brazilian disk specimens under diametrical compression were used in this investigation. SECRBB specimens were used for the Mode-I study, and notched Brazilian disk and semicircular specimens were used for the mixed Mode I–II study. The results show that specimen diameter and crack type have a substantial influence on the measured fracture toughness; however, loading rate, crack size, and specimen thickness seem to have a negligible effect on the fracture toughness. Mode-I fracture toughness is significantly influenced by specimen diameter and crack type, while their effects on Mode-II fracture toughness are generally negligible. The different specimens (SECRBB, Brazilian disk, and semicircular) can give comparable results only when the proper span to diameter ratio is used. The Brazilian disk with a straight notch was found to be the most convenient geometry to use for fracture toughness determination. A simple method of making a precise notch inside the disk is presented, using the combination of a drilling machine and a wire saw.     

Numerical Observation of Three-Dimensional Wing Cracking of Cracked Chevron Notched Brazilian Disc Rock Specimen Subjected to Mixed Mode Loading

The cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc (CCNBD) specimen has been suggested by International Society for Rock Mechanics for measuring mode I fracture toughness of rocks. Subsequently, this specimen geometry has been widely extended to conduct mixed mode fracture tests on rocks as well. A straight through crack front during the fracturing process upon the root of the chevron notch is assumed in the testing principle, but has never been thoroughly evaluated before. In this study, for the first time, the progressive rock fracture mechanism of the CCNBD rock specimen under mixed mode loading is numerically simulated. Specimens under representative mixed mode loading angles are modelled; and the assumption of the straight through crack front growth is critically assessed. The results show that not only the notch tip but also the saw-cut chevron notch cracks during the experiments, yielding a prominent twisted front, far from being straight. The crack front never grows up to the root of the notch ligament and the straight through crack front assumption is never satisfied in the realistic rock fracture progress of this chevron notched specimen subjected to mixed mode loads. In contrast, the fracture progress features typical three-dimensional wing cracking towards the loading ends. The numerically observed progressive fracture mechanism reveals that the measuring principle of mixed mode fracture tests employing CCNBD specimens is significantly violated and the measures of both modes I and II fracture toughness are uncertain.     

中心裂纹巴西圆盘压缩载荷下T应力研究

为了研究中心裂纹巴西圆盘试件在压缩载荷作用下T应力的解析计算方法,通过权函数法推导出集中载荷作用下T应力的显式表达式,进而得到分布载荷作用下的T应力表达式。与边界配位法进行对比,所得公式优点在于任意相对裂纹长度和任意加载角下的T应力值都能较容易的精确得到。进一步分析表明,分布载荷与集中载荷作用下T应力的偏差随着载荷分布角的增加而增加。集中载荷作用下,相对裂纹长度固定时,T应力随着加载角的增大而增大。中心裂纹巴西圆盘纯I型与纯II型断裂试验时,大多数情况下的T应力都为负值。T应力值对中心裂纹巴西圆盘测定断裂韧度试验有影响,想要通过使T应力为0来消除这种影响是很难达到目的的。     

平台巴西圆盘复合型加载下T应力计算法

平台巴西圆盘(CFBD)具有避免加载点处应力集中、保证破坏由预制裂纹尖端处起始的优点,成为研究脆性材料断裂性能的常用试件之一。最近的研究发现,T应力也会影响材料断裂性能,但平台巴西圆盘并没有计算T应力的解析公式。使用解析分析与有限元数值分析相结合的方法,对复合型加载条件下平台巴西圆盘试件的T应力进行了计算,并对误差进行了系统的分析。结果表明,在一定载荷分布角内相对裂纹长度 时,不管是纯I、纯II还是复合型加载条件下平台巴西圆盘计算的T应力都可以用中心裂纹巴西圆盘均布载荷下T应力计算公式来计算;T应力相对误差随着相对裂纹长度的增加而增加。     

围压对巴西裂纹圆盘应力强度因子影响分析

为了研究围压对巴西裂纹圆盘应力强度因子的影响,使用权函数方法得到了围压作用下巴西裂纹圆盘的应力强度因子,进而得到径向集中荷载与围压共同作用下的应力强度因子的计算公式。在此基础上,从理论上分析了围压对巴西裂纹圆盘应力强度因子的影响,分析结果表明：围压对II型应力强度因子无影响,纯围压作用下裂纹趋于闭合;围压和集中力共同作用下,I型应力强度因子随着围压的增大而减小。对比分析了数值分析与理论结果,分析表明,理论与数值结果吻合良好,从而表明了理论分析的正确性。此外,还研究了围压对纯II型裂纹加载条件的影响,结果表明,纯II型裂纹的临界加载角随着围压增大而减小,直至为0。因此,当围压较大时,加载角为0°左右所发生的断裂不一定全是纯I型断裂。     

岩石非理想裂纹圆盘试件动态断裂韧性测试的有限元分析及试验研究

采用中心裂纹圆盘-霍普金森压杆(CCCD-SHPB)试验系统对大理岩中心裂纹圆盘试件进行不同加载速率下的纯Ⅰ型加载试验,研究岩石材料动态断裂韧性的加载速率相关性。考虑到试验中所使用的圆盘试件是带有中心切口的非理想裂纹,结合试件的实际加工情况,提出采用切口尖端形状为小圆弧形的预制裂纹,介绍了试件的制作方法,并利用有限元计算论证了采用这种形状非理想裂纹试件的试验可行性。结果表明,采用圆弧形裂尖、裂纹宽度为1 mm的中心切口非理想裂纹圆盘试件来代替理想裂纹圆盘试件是可行的,误差不超过2.13%。分析试验数据得出：非理想裂纹圆盘试件在纯Ⅰ型加载条件下,其断裂韧度表现出明显的速率相关性,且随着加载速率的增大而增大。     

T应力对岩石裂纹扩展路径及起裂强度的影响研究

经典断裂判据在分析岩石起裂角度及强度时,往往只选择裂尖应力场展开式中的r1/2奇异应力项,而将高阶的O(r1/2)项以及非奇异应力项（T应力）忽略,造成理论预测并不能完全吻合实际的试验结果。在充分考虑非奇异应力项对裂纹扩展影响作用的基础上,利用最大周向应力判据重新研究了岩石类材料脆性破坏的I、II及I-II复合型裂纹扩展。研究结果表明：（1）纯I型裂纹状态下,T应力为负时（压缩）,裂纹的扩展是稳定的;而当T 应力为正时（拉伸）,只有当 ,裂纹才沿着裂纹方向扩展（经典断裂判据所预测的方向）,而其他情况下裂纹的扩展将发生偏转;（2）纯II型裂纹时,不仅沿着裂纹方向的T应力影响起裂角度及强度,垂直裂纹面上的N应力也同样具有重要的影响作用;（3）对I-II型裂纹而言,修正后的最大周向应力准则与试验结果吻合良好,且正的T应力增大开裂角,而负的T应力降低开裂角。通过控制T应力的大小,可以对裂纹扩展方向加以控制,从而使得裂纹扩展偏离最危险的方向,最大地限度阻止或延缓结构整体断裂的发生。     

Application of Cracked Triangular Specimen Subjected to Three-Point Bending for Investigating Fracture Behavior of Rock Materials

Numerical and experimental studies were performed on a new fracture test configuration called the edge cracked triangular (ECT) specimen. Using several finite-element analyses, the fracture parameters (i.e., K _I, K _II, and T-stress) were obtained for different combinations of modes I and II. The finite-element results show that the ECT specimen is able to provide pure mode I, pure mode II, and any mixed-mode loading conditions in between. Also, a series of mixed-mode fracture experiments were conducted on Neiriz marble rock using the proposed specimen. Furthermore, the generalized maximum tangential stress (GMTS) criterion was used to predict the experimental results. The GMTS criterion makes use of a three-parameter model (based on K _I, K _II, and T) for describing the crack tip stresses. Due to the significant positive T-stresses that exist in the ECT specimen, typical minimum fracture toughness values were expected to be obtained when the ECT specimen is used. The direction of fracture initiation and the path of fracture growth were also obtained theoretically using the GMTS criterion, and good agreement was observed between the experimental fracture path and theoretical simulations. The fracture study of this specimen reveals that the ECT specimen can be also used in mixed-mode fracture studies of rock materials in addition to the conventional circular or rectangular beam test samples.     

Mixed mode crack propagation in low brittle rock-like materials

Mixed mode fracture is quite common in rock structures. Numerous investigators have used the Brazilian disk specimens with a central crack for investigating modes I, II, and mixed fracture toughness in brittle materials. In this study, analytical, experimental, and numerical investigations were planned and performed on Central Straight Through Crack Brazilian Disk (CSCBD) specimens. Ranking of geometrical parameters effective on the value of stress intensity factors (SIFs) of CSCBD specimens were obtained using stochastic analysis. Furthermore, experimental tests were undertaken in order to evaluate the crack propagation in rock-like material of low brittleness. Finally, numerical modeling was performed to assess the effect of crack length on the failure mode of CSCBD specimens. Analytical analyses revealed that the inclination angle of the crack with respect to the diametrical load has the most important impact on the SIFs among the geometrical parameters of CSCBD specimen. Performed experimental and numerical analyses also confirmed the effect of inclination angle and crack length and their impact on the mode of failure of the tested specimen.     

Comparing Reservoir and Outcrop Specimens for Mixed Mode I–II Fracture Toughness of a Limestone Rock Formation at Various Conditions

Summary A fracture toughness study was conducted on a limestone rock formation from a petroleum reservoir in Saudi Arabia, and results were compared with those for outcrop specimens from the same geological formation. The objective was to investigate the possibility of using outcrop specimens to estimate the fracture toughness behavior of reservoir rock at in-situ conditions of temperature and confining pressure. The study was made on reservoir specimens from a depth of about 3.5 km, at both ambient and reservoir conditions. Mixed mode I–II fracture toughness at reservoir conditions of high temperature and confining pressure was studied using straight notched Brazilian disk (SNBD) specimens under diametrical compression. Tests were conducted at ambient conditions, at an effective confining pressure (σ₃) of 28 MPa (4000 psi), and at a temperature of 116^°C. The results showed a substantial increase in fracture toughness under confining pressure. Under σ₃=28 MPa, the pure mode-I fracture toughness (K _IC), increased by a factor of about 3.2, and the pure mode-II fracture toughness (K _IIC) increased by a factor of 4.4, compared to those under ambient conditions. On the other hand, K _IC at 116^°C was only 25% more than that at ambient conditions. These results were compared with recent results for outcrop specimens from the same geological formation. The results reveal that outcrop specimens can be successfully used to predict the fracture behavior of reservoir specimens at in-situ conditions, in spite of some differences at ambient conditions. Additionally, fracture toughness envelopes were obtained for reservoir specimens at ambient and high pressure conditions, in both positive and negative regions. Received September 14, 2000; accepted February 22, 2002 Published online September 2, 2002     

Size and Geometry Effects on Rock Fracture Toughness: Mode I Fracture

In this paper, the effects of specimen size and geometry on the apparent mode I fracture toughness (K _c) of an Iranian white marble (Neyriz) are studied. A number of fracture tests were conducted on center-cracked circular disk (CCCD) specimens with different radii to investigate the size effects on K _c. The experimental results demonstrate that the apparent fracture toughness increases in bigger specimens. In order to explain the experimental results, the modified maximum tangential stress (MMTS) criterion is used, where higher order terms of the Williams’ series expansion are included in the maximum tangential stress criterion. It is shown that the MMTS criterion provides good estimates for the apparent fracture toughness of Neyriz marble, obtained from fracture tests of edge-cracked triangular specimens. It is, therefore, concluded that the proposed criterion is able to account for the size and geometry effects on the fracture resistance of rocks simultaneously.     

用5种圆盘试件的劈裂试验确定岩石断裂韧度

用5种不同形状的圆盘试件测定了大理岩张开型断裂韧度。5种圆盘试件分别为平台巴西圆盘、带有中心圆孔的平台巴西圆盘、人字型切槽巴西圆盘、直切槽巴西圆盘和圆孔切槽平台巴西圆盘。加载模式是对径压缩劈裂。介绍了试件的制作方法,提出了用每种圆盘确定断裂韧度的公式。结果表明,含有切槽圆盘的断裂韧度值在0.78～0.91 MPa•m1/2之间,不含切槽圆盘测得的值在1.01～1.04 MPa•m1/2之间。有3种含有切槽圆盘测得的断裂韧度值比较稳定,其中孔槽式平台巴西圆盘能够制作理想的宽度较小的切槽。     

单轴压缩非贯通节理岩石尖端塑性区及弹塑性断裂模型研究

基于Drucker-Prager（下简称D-P）准则,建立压缩载荷作用下的非贯通节理岩石的弹塑性断裂模型。针对节理岩石小范围屈服翼裂纹尖端塑性区,推导了D-P屈服准则的纯I、纯II及I、II复合型3种翼裂纹无量纲塑性区径长函数,并与Mises准则的塑性区进行对比;结果表明,D-P准则的I型和复合型塑性区较Mises屈服准则的塑性区大,且其II型及I、II复合型塑性区在翼裂纹上下表面不连续。进一步,引入断裂软化因子以表征节理岩石裂隙断裂扩展后的断裂软化规律,考虑非贯通节理岩石复合型断裂软化,是由于节理尖端翼裂纹应变能密度超过最小应变能密度导致其成核扩展引起的,提出用应变能密度的指数函数形式表征断裂软化变量的演化;塑性屈服函数采用Borja等的应力张量3个不变量的硬化/软化函数,反映塑性内变量及应力状态对硬化函数的影响;建立节理岩石的弹塑性断裂本构关系及其数值算法,并用回映隐式积分算法编制了弹塑性断裂模型的程序。以单轴压缩下非贯通节理岩石为例,分析岩石断裂韧度、节理摩擦系数和节理倾角等参数的影响,结果表明,所提出的弹塑性断裂模型与数值和试验结果比较吻合。     

Micromechanical Modelling of the Complete Stress–Strain Relationship for Crack Weakened Rock Subjected to Compressive Loading

Summary  A micromechanics-based model, able to quantify the effect of various parameters on the complete stress–strain relationship, is described. The closed-form explicit expression for the complete stress–strain relationship of a rock material containing an echelon cracks arrangement subjected to compressive loading is obtained. The complete stress–strain relationship including the stages of linear elasticity, non-linear hardening and strain softening is established. The results show that the complete stress–strain relationship and the strength of rock with echelon cracks depend on the crack interface friction coefficient, the sliding crack spacing, the perpendicular distance between the two adjacent rows, the fracture toughness of rock material and orientation of the cracks. The present model is used to evaluate the complete stress–strain relationship and strength for crack-weakened rock at the underground cavern complex of the Ertan Hydroelectric Project. The predicted strength is in agreement with that obtained by the Hoek–Brown criterion. The numerical results obtained with the complete stress–strain relationship seem to be in good agreement with the measured values. Author’s address: Xiao-Ping Zhou, School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, 443002 Chongqing, P.R. China     

基于P-CCNBD试样的岩石动态断裂韧度测试方法

预裂的人字形切槽巴西圆盘(Pre-cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc,简称P-CCNBD)是将人字形切槽巴西圆盘(cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc,简称CCNBD)的切槽尖端再稍加切削制成直裂纹前沿的试样。利用霍普金森压杆对P-CCNBD砂岩试样进行径向冲击,完成I型动态断裂试验后再做数值分析得到岩石的动态断裂韧度。为了验证数值模拟的可靠性,先进行了无限平面中一条有限尺寸裂纹表面受冲击拉伸作用的动态有限元分析,结果表明,数值模拟的结果与Shi得到的结果非常吻合。将试验-数值法和他人的准静态法分别确定的砂岩的动态起裂韧度进行对比,两种方法得到的结果有一定的差异。采用试验-数值法,将比较成熟的直裂纹巴西圆盘(cracked straight-through Brazilian disc,简称CSTBD)和P-CCNBD两种试样测得的结果进行对比,两者吻合较好。得到的动态起裂韧度都有随着加载率的增加而增大的加载率效应。分析了准静态法的缺陷,认为试验-数值法得到的结果更为合理。     

动载确定方法对岩石动态断裂韧度测试的影响

为了考察不同方法确定的动态载荷对测试岩石动态断裂韧度的影响,在SHPB压杆系统上动态冲击直径80 mm的大理岩圆孔裂缝平台巴西圆盘,获得了弹性压杆上的应力波形,间接计算得到3种不同的作用在圆盘端部的动态载荷。将载荷输入ANSYS动态有限元模型中,求得了相应的动态应力强度因子,并根据试验-数值分析方法确定了岩石的动态断裂韧度测试值。结果表明,在加载速率约为4.0×104 MPa•m1/2/s的条件下,采用三波法确定的大理岩的平均动态断裂韧度为 3.92 MPa•m1/2,采用一波法比三波法计算的结果偏低11.22%,采用二波法比三波法计算的结果偏高20.15%,3种方法得到的结果差异较大。应力波在传播过程中,通过圆盘表面和预制裂缝面发生散射,部分能量不断发生释放是造成圆盘试件两端加载载荷不相等的主要原因。三波法是3种方法中比较理想的动态载荷确定方法,但需要考察试件的动态应力平衡性。     

DEM investigation on fracture mechanism of the CCNSCB specimen under intermediate dynamic loading

The cracked chevron notched semi-circular bending (CCNSCB) method falls into a significant testing category of chevron notched specimens for measuring the mode I fracture toughness, of which the progressive fracture mechanism deserves to be further assessed under intermediate dynamic loading rate (IDLR). In this study, the discrete element method (DEM) is adopted to depict the three-dimensional fracture processes of the CCNSCB specimens subjected to different IDLRs considering different supporting spans. The results demonstrate that the crack front of the CCNSCB specimen with any loading condition is prominently curved, which violates the straight-through crack propagation assumption and may induce some errors in the fracture toughness measurements. For each IDLR, the peak force of the CCNSCB specimen evidently increases with decreased supporting span, and the effect of loading rate on this parameter is more prominent for a smaller supporting span. For a relatively large span, the crack grows restrictively in the notched ligament, which conforms to the ideal assumption of the fracture process and contributes to an accurate measurement of the mode I fracture toughness. Thus, a large supporting span is suggested for the semi-circular bend tests. Additionally, the critical crack length and peak force are found dependent on the loading rate, and they are larger for the higher loading rate. Thus, the critical crack length determined under quasi-static conditions is not strictly suitable for the specimens under different IDLRs, especially for the much higher IDLR. This study calls for more attention on how to accurately determine the fracture toughness via chevron notched samples.