3D fracture behaviour of graphite specimens weakened by V-notches with end holes under mixed mode (I plus II) loading

In the present contribution, the static strength of isostatic graphite using V-notched specimens with end holes under mixed mode loading is investigated considering 3D simulation. An experimental program was performed and in total, 14 new experimental data are provided in the paper for the first time. The criterion based on the averaged value of the strain energy density over a control volume which has been applied to assess the static strength of the different 2D specimens, is developed in the current work by modification of the control volume to assess the thickness effect on the static strength of graphite specimens. A sound agreement is found between the experimental data and the results obtained from the strain energy density criterion.