On Energy Strength Theories for Geomaterials

Abstract

The composition of the energy in the process of material deformation and failure and the relationship between energy and strength were summarized; the features, essences and main problems of the energy release rate theory, the three-shear energy theory and the net shear strain energy density theory were illustrated. It is pointed out that the roles of distortion strain energy, volumetric strain energy and dissipated energy are not identical, especially distortion strain energy and volumetric strain energy must be separately processed. The three-shear energy theory and the net shear strain energy density theory can properly deal with the problems, and also well reflect the intermediate principal stress effect. The above research results can provide references for further discussions.