LAUSR

Abstract A staggered scheme for phase field modeling of brittle fractures is implemented to simulate mixed mode fracturing of disc-type specimens. The crack propagation process and load-displacement curves of each type of disc specimen are investigated. The effects of specimen geometry and loading mode on the crack propagation process and load-displacement curves are studied. The predicted results for crack initiation angle and fracture toughness obtained by the phase field method are compared with the analytical solutions. The results show that the crack initiation angle and fracture toughness obtained by the phase field method agree well with those determined by the generalized maximum tangential stress (GMTS) criterion. This implies that the phase field method has high accuracy in simulating the problem of crack-weakened Brazilian discs.