You can do the following to model fracture mechanics with Abaqus/CAE:

• Create a seam crack that defines an edge or a face with overlapping nodes that can separate during an analysis.

• Use contour integral estimates to study the onset of cracking in quasi-static problems; however, a contour integral estimate does not predict how a crack will propagate. You can compute contour integrals for two- or three-dimensional models.

• Use the extended finite element method (XFEM) to study the initiation and propagation of a crack along an arbitrary, solution-dependent path without needing to remesh your model. XFEM is available only for three-dimensional solid and planar models and orphan meshes.

• Use the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) to study the initiation and propagation of a crack along a known crack surface.

• Use the Crack Manager to create and manage your cracks.

This chapter covers the following topics:

• “Seam cracks,” Section 31.1

• “Using contour integrals to model fracture mechanics,” Section 31.2

• “Using the extended finite element method to model fracture mechanics,” Section 31.3

• “Using the virtual crack closure technique to model crack propagation,” Section 31.4

• “Managing cracks,” Section 31.5