Numerical simulation of crack propagation and coalescence in pre-cracked rock-like Brazilian disks using the non-ordinary state-based peridynamics

In the non-ordinary state-based peridynamics (NOSB-PD), the maximum tensile stress criterion and Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, which are common stress-based failure criteria in rock mechanics and rock engineering, are applied to distinguish the tensile cracks and shear cracks, respectively. The initiation and propagation and coalescence of one single crack or double cracks in the Brazilian Disk specimens under compressive line loads are investigated using NOSB-PD. The effects of the specimen sizes and the crack inclination angles on the peak failure loads of the pre-cracked Brazilian Disk specimens are studied. Mode I fracture toughness and mixed Mode I/II fracture toughness are evaluated using the suggestions by ISRM. Moreover, the effects of horizon size and material points spacing on crack propagation in Brazilian Disks are investigated to prove the accuracy of NOSB-PD. The present numerical results are in good agreement with the previous experimental and numerical results. •The NOSB-PD with stress-based failure criteria is proposed.•Propagation and coalescence of cracks in Brazilian Disks of rocks is modeled.•The fracture toughness of rocks is evaluated•The effect of inclination angles of cracks on crack propagation is studied.