Fracture propagation in Indiana Limestone interpreted via linear softening cohesive fracture model

We examine the use of a linear softening cohesive fracture model (LCFM) to predict single‐trace fracture growth in short‐rod (SR) and notched 3‐point‐bend (N3PB) test configurations in Indiana Limestone. The broad goal of this work is to (a) understand the underlying assumptions of LCFM and (b) use experimental similarities and deviations from the LCFM to understand the role of loading paths of tensile fracture propagation. Cohesive fracture...