Propagation and coalescence of quasi-static cracks in Brazilian disks: an insight from a phase field model

The phase field model represents sharp cracks by diffusive mushy-zone and can simulate crack propagation automatically. Propagation and coalescence of quasi-static cracks in Brazilian disks are investigated by a phase field model. The phase field modeling is implemented in Comsol Multiphysics and initially verified by a benchmark of three-point bending test. The Brazilian disk specimens containing no initial crack, a single and two pre-existing cracks subjected to compression are then tested by the phase field model. Crack propagation patterns along with the load–displacement curves are fully discussed. Meanwhile, the effects of length scale parameter and critical energy release rate on crack propagation are evaluated. In addition, the effect of crack inclination angle on the pre-cracked Brazilian disk specimens is also investigated. The numerical results obtained by the phase field model are in good agreement with previous experimental and numerical results.