LAUSR

Abstract Previous studies are mainly concentrated on the use of the semi-circular bend (SCB) specimen for determining the entire mixed-mode I-II fracture toughness of rock, while less attention has been paid to its mixed-mode fracture process. In this situation, this study investigated mixed-mode fracture behavior of the SCB specimen using the extended finite element method (X-FEM). The crack growth trajectory, crack initiation angle and onset of fracture were discussed in detail. This paper is expected to provide a better understanding of mixed-mode fracture process of the SCB specimen occurring during fracture initiation and propagation.