Modelling fracturing process using cohesive interface elements: theoretical verification and experimental validation

The tensile strength estimated from the Brazilian test on brittle materials is highly dependent contact topology between sample and loading platens. Common topologies such as flat-to-point, arch-to-arch flat-to-flat contacts have been proposed in literature. By employing cohesive interface elements (CIEs), a finite element method (FEM) developed this paper to explore fracture behaviour of samples using different topologies. feasibility adopting CIEs verified theoretically crack extension validated experimentally test. A mesh sensitivity parametric study are performed for model calibration. simulation results demonstrated good performance agreement with range experimental data terms stress–strain curves, strain distribution, initiation propagation, strength. Based numerical results, it concluded that preferred due its initiates at centre disc propagates toward top bottom, without any compression failure ends. This provides new conceptual framework promising way assess