Simulation of mixed-mode fracture using the combined finite–discrete element method

• Published in: Computational particle mechanics 2020-10, Vol.7 (5), p.1047-1055
• Main Authors: Boyce, S., Lei, Z., Euser, B., Knight, E. E., Rougier, E., Stormont, J. C., Reda Taha, M. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carrara marble; Classical and Continuum Physics; Compressive properties; Computational Science and Engineering; confined extension; Discrete element method; ENGINEERING; Failure; fdem; fracture; Fractures; Marble; Mathematical models; mixed-mode failure; Qualitative analysis; Series (mathematics); Simulation; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
• ISSN: 2196-4378; 2196-4386
• DOI: 10.1007/s40571-020-00341-6

It has been shown experimentally that under mixed tensile and compressive stress states, a corresponding mixed-mode fracture will occur. In this paper, the formation of mixed-mode fractures is investigated using the combined finite–discrete element method. A series of simulations with confining pressures ranging from 7.5 to 150 MPa generate a spectrum of mixed-mode failure conditions. These stress states at failure span the transition from the tensile to compressive failure. The models reproduce previous experiments on Carrara marble using a dog-bone geometry, and a comparison shows good qualitative agreement with the experimental observations. This paper demonstrates that mixed-mode fracture can be captured via numerical simulations and identifies areas where further research is required to better understand mixed-mode fracture processes.