Due to the difficulties of applying torsional loads to introduce mode III effects, there are few studies for investigating mixed mode I/III fracture in brittle materials. In this paper using three novel single or double edge-cracked diametral compression disc shape specimens, complete ranges of mixed mode I/III are introduced. Fracture factors of the compressed disc specimens with different pre-notch shapes are determined numerically for a wide range of notch depth and notch inclination angles. The ability of specimens was studied using mixed mode I/III fracture experiments on gypsum. Different fracture envelopes were obtained for the gypsum demonstrating the influence of disc geometry and notch type on mixed mode I/III behavior. For all samples, mode III fracture toughness (K IIIc ) was approximately 1.2 to 1.8 times the corresponding value of K Ic . Depending on the crack front type, ligament shape and mode mixity, different fracture surfaces were observed. While the mode I fracture surface was smooth and flat in all samples, for mixed mode I/III and mode III, rotation and partially segmentation saw tooth shape wrinkles were observed.
K E Y W O R D Sbrittle geo-materials, fracture surface, fracture toughness testing, mixed mode I/III, numerical analyses, single and double edge-notched diametrically compressed discs