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.