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Subcritical Fracture Propagation in Rocks: an Examination Using the Methods of Fracture Mechanics and Non-Destructive TestingAn experimental investigation of tensile rock fracture is presented with an emphasis on characterizing time dependent crack growth using the methods of fracture mechanics. Subcritical fracture experiments were performed in moist air on glass and five different rock types at crack velocities using the double torsion technique. The experimental results suggest that subcritical fracture resistance in polycrystals is dominated by microstructural effects. Evidence for gross violations of the assumptions of linear elastic fracture mechanics and double torsion theory was found in the tests on rocks. In an effort to obtain a better understanding of the physical breakdown processes associated with rock fracture, a series of nondestructive evaluation tests were performed during subcritical fracture experiments on glass and granite. Comparison of the observed process zone shape with that expected on the basis of a critical normal principal tensile stress criterion shows that the zone is much more elongated in the crack propagation direction than predicted by the continuum based microcracking model alone.
Document ID
19850027203
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Thesis/Dissertation
Authors
Swanson, P. L.
(Colorado Univ. Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
85N35516
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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