Approximation of mixed mode propagation for an internally pressurized circular crack

Hydraulic fracturing of rocks has various engineering applications. However, there has been limited research into crack propagation prediction by three dimensional analytical techniques. This paper discusses such a technique for predicting the propagation surface of a pressurized circular crack subjected to various loading conditions. The propagation surfaces predicted from the proposed crack front propagation algorithm align well with published results. The suggested method consumes only a fraction of the time needed for a numerical simulation, and therefore it could be useful in assisting the design of hydraulic fracturing operations.