Crack growth trajectory prediction in V-notched polymeric specimen under combined compressive-shear loading conditions

Crack growth trajectory in V-notched specimens is investigated by polymeric round-tip V-notched Brazilian disk (RV-BD) under combined compressive-shear loading conditions both experimentally and theoretically. First, the experimental fracture trajectory of RV-BD specimens is obtained by means of 18 fracture tests for various notch opening angles and 0.5 mm notch tip radius. Then, by utilizing two methods, namely the extended finite element method (XFEM) based on the cohesive zone model and the incremental method on the basis of the maximum tangential stress (MTS criterion), the fracture trajectory is predicted. Predictions of both the methods and also the experimental observations show that although the V-notch is under compressive-shear loading conditions, fracture initiates due to the tensile stresses at the notch border and propagates to the external boundary of the specimen. The graphical agreement of the two predicted trajectories with the experimental one demonstrates the ability of both methods in predicting the fracture trajectory for V-notches under compressive-shear loading conditions.