Effects of span-depth ratios on the energy release rate for three-point bending beams

The effects of span-depth ratios on the energy release rate for three-point bending beams were examined. Expressions for the energy release rate for three-point bending specimens with various span-depth ratios were developed using linear interpolation method. The double-G fracture parameters were calculated through tests of three-point bending beams with the same span (800 mm) but various depths (100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm and 300 mm) and the findings in literature. Results indicate that (1) with increasing the span-depth ratio, an almost constant initial fracture energy release rate was obtained, and slight decrease tendency of the unstable energy release rate was observed; (2) The empirical relationship between the initial fracture energy and total fracture energy suggested in size effect model was conformed using the unstable fracture energy release rate which was the same as the initial fracture energy; (3) Equivalence between double-G and double-K fracture model was verified; (4) Moreover, the analytical results of unstable fracture energy release rate exhibited a good consistency with the experimental ones, which were insensitive to the softening function.

Automated summary

The study showed that with an increasing span-depth ratio, the initial fracture energy release rate remained almost constant, while there was a slight decrease in the unstable energy release rate. The equivalence between the double-G and double-K fracture models was verified, and the analytical results exhibited good consistency with the experimental ones.