Abstract
In this paper, the influence of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between steel inclusion and fine-grained cement-based composite on fracture behaviour is investigated. Specimens of the nominal dimensions 40 × 40 × 160 mm with the steel inclusion of the prismatic shape with nominal dimensions 8 × 8 × 40 mm were provided with an initial central edge notch with a depth 12 mm.The aim of this paper is to analyse the behaviour of such specimen by means of numerical modelling by finite element method (Ansys software). A simplified 2D model (plane strain) based on the fracture test configuration was created. The crack propagation assessment was based on the criterion of the average value of tangential stress σθθ calculated over certain distance d in dependence on the polar coordinate θ. It is assumed that the crack is initiated when the average stress σθθ(θ0) reaches its critical value σθθ,c(θ0), which depends on the fracture toughness KIC of the material and on the distance d.From the detailed numerical analysis of the described fracture test, we concluded that the crack propagation path depends strongly on the fracture properties of ITZ. The central inclusion works as an obstacle to crack propagation only in the initial stage of failure. The mechanical fracture parameters of the ITZ strongly influence the overall fracture behavior of test specimens.
Published Version
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