A three-field phase-field model for mixed-mode fracture in rock based on experimental determination of the mode II fracture toughness

Abstract

In this contribution, a novel framework for simulating mixed-mode failure in rock is presented. Based on a hybrid phase-field model for mixed-mode fracture, separate phase-field variables are introduced for tensile (mode I) and shear (mode II) fracture. The resulting three-field problem features separate length scale parameters for mode I and mode II cracks. In contrast to the classic two-field mixed-mode approaches, it can thus account for different tensile and shear strength of rock. The two phase-field equations are implicitly coupled through the degradation of the material in the elastic equation, and the three fields are solved using a staggered iteration scheme. For its validation, the three-field model is calibrated for two types of rock, Solnhofen Limestone and Pfraundorfer Dolostone. To this end, double-edge notched Brazilian disk (DNBD) tests are performed to determine the mode II fracture toughness. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed phase-field model is able to reproduce the different crack patterns observed in the DNBD tests. A final example of a uniaxial compression test on a rare drill core demonstrates that the proposed model is able to capture complex, 3D mixed-mode crack patterns when calibrated with the correct mode I and mode II fracture toughness.