A Modified Phase-Field Fracture Model for Simulation of Mixed Mode Brittle Fractures and Compressive Cracks in Porous Rock

In this work, we propose a modified phase-field model for simulating the evolution of mixed mode fractures and compressive driven fractures in porous artificial rocks. For the purpose of validation, the behaviour of artificial rock samples, with either a single or double saw cuts, under uniaxial plane strain compression has been numerically simulated. The simulated results are compared to experimental data, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It is shown that the proposed model is able to capture the commonly observed propagation pattern of wing cracks emergence followed by secondary cracks driven by compressive stresses. Additionally, the typical types of complex crack patterns observed in experimental tests are successfully reproduced, as well as the critical loads.