Numerical analysis of a new mixed mode I/III fracture test specimen

A new test configuration called the edge notched disc bend specimen is suggested for investigating mixed mode I/III fracture behavior. The proposed specimen is a circular disc containing an inclined edge crack thorough the diameter and is subjected to three point bend loading. Extensive three dimensional finite element analyses were performed for different geometrical parameters and loading conditions to obtain the stress intensity factors and the T-stress in the proposed disc bend specimen. The finite element results showed that the suggested specimen is able to introduce full combinations of mixed mode I/III ranging from pure mode I to pure mode III.