Fracture toughness of coal by microcrack finite element method
Abstract
The microcrack finite-element method is developed for determining the fracture toughness of coal. Based on this concept and coupled with the Griffith-Irwin energy criterion, a two dimensional finite element program is developed. For the numerical modeling the three-point-bending and hydraulic fracture specimen are considered. Based on the experimentally measured critical load by previous researchers, the plane-strain fracture toughness of Pittsburgh and Bakerstown coal are presented.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Rock Mechanics and Modeling
Coal Properties and Utilization
Geomechanics and Mining Engineering
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 511–518
- Publication date
- 13 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter