Crack path estimation in the shot-earth 772 by a discrete element method

Abstract

In the present paper, the fracture behaviour of the shot-earth 772, in terms of crack path, is numerically investigated. To such an aim, a version of the lattice discrete element method is used to numerically simulate fracture toughness testing performed, on the shot-earth 772, by employing the Modified Two-Parameter model.A comparison between the numerical crack path and the experimental ones is performed, highlighting as the lattice discrete element method is able to capture the kinked crack shape, typical of quasi-brittle materials.