Local strain energy density to predict size-dependent brittle fracture of cracked specimens under mixed mode loading

To assess the static strength of cracked components the strain energy density (SED) criterion has been used. It is shown that this criterion can predict the size-dependent fracture behavior of Guiting Limestone. Critical experimental loads have been compared with the theoretical ones, estimated keeping constant the critical value of strain energy density (SED). The dimension of the control volume was found to be a function of specimen size and geometry.