Proof of the Splitting Mode of Compressive Brittle Failure and Integration With General Failure Theory

The problem of special interest is the nature of the mode of failure in uniaxial compression at the brittle limit. This problem is known by observation to undergo a splitting mode of failure. The present work gives a full theoretical treatment and proof for this mode of failure. The general failure theory of Christensen for isotropic materials provides the basis for the derivation. The solution demonstrates the depth of technical capability that is required from the failure theory to treat such a classically difficult problem.