Energy Evolution and Damage Mechanism of Fractured Sandstone with Different Angles

To explore the influence of crack angle on the mechanical properties, energy evolution, and damage evolution of sandstone, uniaxial loading tests were conducted on sandstones with different crack angles. Through the stress-strain curve, the influence of the crack angle on the mechanical properties was analyzed. Based on energy theories and principles, the influence of crack angle on the energy conversion mechanism was analyzed. Based on crack angle and dissipated energy, a damage model considering the initial damage to the fractured sandstones was established. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) The strength and elastic modulus of sandstone decrease with an increase in crack angle, and Poisson's ratio increases with an increase in crack angle; prefabricated cracks affect the crack initiation position, and accelerate the formation of fracture surfaces. (2) The stress-strain curve was divided into compaction stage, elastic stage, yield stage, and failure stage. The larger the crack angle, the longer the yield stage and the shorter the failure stage. (3) At the peak point, the elastic energy, dissipated energy, and input energy of fractured sandstone always decrease with an increase in crack angle; the energy consumption ratio increases with an increase in crack angle; and the energy storage ratio decreases with an increase in crack angle. (4) The damage variable shows a trend of slow accumulation-steady accumulation-rapid accumulation; the crack angle affects the initial damage of the specimen, and the dissipated energy affects the variation trend of the damage variable.