Phase Field Characterization of Rock Fractures in Brazilian Splitting Test Specimens Containing Voids and Inclusions

The Brazilian splitting test is a broadly adopted testing procedure for characterizing the tensile strength of natural rock or rock-like material. However, results on specimens with naturally existing voids and inclusions are strongly influenced by size effects boundary conditions, numerical modeling can assist in explaining understanding mechanisms. On other hand, potential utilizing to characterize inhomogeneous deformation samples dissimilar materials still awaits exploration. In present study, fracture mechanisms disks circular filled studied using phase field model (PFM). finite element method implement PFM study influence diameter, eccentricity, quantity patterns stress-strain curves. simulations reproduce previous experimental phenomena furthermore it deepens pattern, overall strength, behavior rock. findings highlight through combining tests modeling.