Cracking behaviours of rock-like materials containing three preexisting flaws after high-temperature treatments

The mechanical properties and cracking behaviours of rock-like materials containing three preexisting flaws after high-temperature treatments are studied. The temperature variations of 25 degrees C, 70 degrees C and 140 degrees C are chosen to explore the influence of temperature, and the ligament angle variations of 75 degrees, 90 degrees and 105 degrees are chosen to explore the effect of preexisting flaws. The crack initiation and coalescence modes and specimen failure after high-temperature treatments are recorded by a high-speed dynamic analysis system. Seven modes of crack initiation and ten types of crack coalescence are recorded in the rock-like specimens. With an increase in temperature and ligament angle, the mechanical properties such as peak strength, peak strain and crack initiation stress change regularly. Furthermore, the experimental results demonstrate that the temperature has a significant impact on the complete stress-strain curves and cracking behaviours of flawed rock-like materials.