Evaluation of fracture properties by coupling digital image correlation and Finite Fracture Mechanics

Crack initiation in flattened disks under compression containing either a central or eccentric circular hole is investigated through the Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM) approach. An implementation of the FFM criterion based on digital image correlation (DIC) full-field measurement is proposed. The coupling between FFM and DIC is provided through boundary conditions taken from the measured displacement fields. This approach offers a more accurate representation of the actual loading conditions compared to the use of idealized prescribed force or displacement in standard FFM implementations. Furthermore, by exploiting the value of the critical energy release rate obtained from the stable crack growth phase analysis, this method enables precise estimations of the inherent material strength and critical crack advance.