Imperfection density function and crack-tip enhancement: Validation against symmetrical bending of circular tungsten carbide plates

Experiments and finite element analyses of symmetrical bending of circular tungsten carbide plates have been carried out. In the numerical simulations, a material imperfection density that accounts for size effects on the failure strength was considered. In addition, a scaling of the solution near the crack-tips was performed, in order to improve the crack propagation prediction and to ensure a mesh independent fracture energy. The numerical results on failure initiation are shown to be in good agreement with the experiments. However, numerical noise in the solution makes it difficult to handle the crack propagation, which is a problem inherent to all brittle materials.