Name : Arshdeep Singh 23110007

STRESS CONCENTRATION and XFEM CRACK PROBLEM

Problem 1: Edge Crack in a Finite Plate (Mode I, Plane Stress)

Problem Statement
Consider a rectangular plate of width W = 200 mm and height H =
100 mm with a through thickness edge crack of length a = 10 mm
originating from the midpoint of the left edge and oriented normal to
the edge. The plate has a thickness t = 1 mm, representing a plane
stress condition. The material is linear elastic with Young’s modulus E
= 210 GPa and Poisson’s ratio ν = 0.3.
The plate is subjected to a uniform tensile stress of σ = 50 MPa
applied on the top and bottom edges. Using XFEM in Abaqus, model
the plate and the edge crack, plot the stress distribution around the
crack tip, and compute the Stress Concentration Factor (SCF).
 Abaqus Result Parameter Value

Stress Intensity Factor 10.03

1) Create geometry & part (2D, plane stress)

1. In Part module create a 2D planar, deformable part: rectangle
200 × 100 mm. Set thickness = 1 mm (for plane stress).
2. Place a small partition (optional) along the left edge where the
crack will start (helps locating the crack). You do not need to
create an explicit crack line for XFEM (XFEM can insert it), but
 creating a reference line/edge makes selection easier in CAE.
(Abaqus XFEM works with 2D planar parts; you’ll use
continuum plane stress elements later.)

2) Material & section

1. Create Material: E = 210e3 MPa, ν = 0.3.
2. Create a solid homogeneous section (2D) and assign to the
whole part. Confirm modelling assumption = plane stress.

3) Mesh & element choice

1. Element type: use 4-node plane stress, reduced integration
elements such as CPS4R (or CPE4R / CAX4R depending on your
CAE selection — use plane stress family). Reduced-integration
continuum elements are commonly used for XFEM work in
Abaqus.
2. Global seed: start coarse, then refine. For the crack tip region
use a much finer mesh — a recommended starting value is
element size ≈ a/20 → 10 mm / 20 = 0.5 mm, and then perform
a convergence study. For critical verification try element sizes
0.5 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.125 mm near the tip.
3. You do not need singular tip elements for XFEM — XFEM
enriches elements to represent the near-tip field without
remeshing. Still, a local fine mesh improves accuracy and
reduces oscillations in postprocessing.

4) Define the XFEM crack

In Abaqus/CAE:
 1. From the Special menu choose Crack → Create (or look under
the XFEM options). Name it (e.g., EdgeCrack) and choose Type =
XFEM.
2. Specify the crack domain: select the whole uncracked domain
and then give the crack location by selecting the line on the left
edge where the crack originates (specify the geometry of the
initial crack: a straight line of length a = 10 mm).
(The CAE tutorial shows using Special → Crack → Create and
selecting the crack location for XFEM cracks.)
Notes:
• You can choose stationary or allow crack growth (for this
problem you said static edge crack — set growth = disabled
unless you want growth). If growth is disabled you can still
compute SIFs and stresses. If you allow growth, some history
outputs (SIFs) may not be available during growth — see
Abaqus docs for output limitations.

5) Steps, loads & BCs

1. Create a Static, General step (linear elastostatic).
2. Boundary conditions:
o Left edge mid-point: to prevent rigid body motion, fix
appropriate DOF (e.g., constrain x displacement at left mid
(Ux=0) and one node at bottom left with Uy=0). Better:
constrain as needed to prevent rigid motion but keep
symmetric/realistic BCs.
3. Apply tensile loading:
o Option A (preferred): apply remote tensile stress by
creating an edge traction of 50 MPa on top and bottom
 edges oriented in y direction. This mimics a uniform
remote stress.
o Option B: apply uniform displacement producing
equivalent average stress (less direct). Use edge traction
to match your σ_nom = 50 MPa.
4. Output requests: Request field outputs of S (stress), PEEQ (not
needed here), RF/U as usual. Also request principal stresses
(S1, S2) or compute them in postprocessing.

6) Request fracture / contour integral outputs (SIFs, J, etc.)

1. In Step → Interaction create an XFEM Crack Growth interaction
(even for stationary XFEM, define the interaction) and enable
Contour integral outputs (interaction integral / J-integral) for
Mode I SIF (K_I). Abaqus provides contour integral / interaction
integral postprocessors that compute SIFs / J for cracks.
2. In the Field Output request, enable J-integral or SIF outputs (KI,
KII) if available for the XFEM crack. Note: if you allow crack
growth, some SIF outputs may be limited during growth; for
stationary cracks SIF extraction via interaction integral works
reliably.

7) Run the analysis

• Run a static analysis. If you get convergence problems, check
mesh, load increments, and use automatic stabilization or
smaller increments.
Problem 2: Plate with Hole (Mixed-Mode Fracture)
Objective
Study the effect of a circular hole and an inclined edge crack on stress
concentration and mixed-mode crack behavior using XFEM in
Abaqus.
Problem Statement
Consider a rectangular plate of width W = 300 mm and height H =
150 mm with a circular hole of radius r = 12.5 mm centered at (75
mm, 75 mm). The plate has a thickness t = 1 mm,
representing a plane stress condition. The material is linear elastic
with Young’s modulus E = 70 GPa and Poisson’s ratio ν = 0.33.
The plate is subjected to a uniform tensile stress of σ = 40 MPa
applied on the left and right edges. Using XFEM in Abaqus, model the
plate with the hole and predict the initial crack propagation direction
while discussing the influence of the hole on stress concentration.
1 — Geometry & part
1. Part: Create a 2D planar deformable part: rectangle
300 × 150mm. Thickness = 1 mm (plane stress).
2. Hole: Create a circular cut (radius 12.5 mm) centered at (75,75)
— boolean remove.
3. Initial crack: For XFEM you can define an initial crack segment
(line) starting at the midpoint of the left edge and oriented at
the chosen inclination (20° into the body) with length 10 mm. In
CAE: Special → Crack → Create → choose XFEM crack and draw
the initial straight segment on the left edge. (If you prefer, you
may create a short partition to accurately place the crack start
point.)

2 — Material & section

• Material: E = 70,000 MPa, ν = 0.33. Create a homogeneous 2D
solid section and assign to the part. Ensure plane stress in
section properties.

3 — Mesh & element choice

 1. Element family: 4-node plane stress elements with reduced
integration e.g., CPS4R (for 2D).
2. Refinement: Global mesh coarse, but refine locally around the
region between the crack tip and the hole. XFEM removes the
need for singular tip mesh but accuracy of SIFs and direction
still benefits from local refinement. Suggested initial local
element size near crack tip: 𝑎/20 ≈ 0.5mm. Coarser away from
region (5–10 mm).
3. Convergence: Prepare 2–3 mesh densities for a convergence
study (0.5 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.125 mm near the tip) and track
KI/KII and crack direction.

4 — Loads & boundary conditions

1. BCs to prevent rigid motion: Fix one node at a corner (Uy
and/or Ux) and prevent rigid translation without over-
constraining. E.g., left mid (Ux = 0) and bottom-left corner (Uy =
0).
2. Remote tensile: Apply uniform traction on left and right edges
equal to 40 MPa in the x-direction (or apply prescribed
displacement that generates the same nominal stress). Traction
mimics uniform remote stress.
3. Step: Static, General (nonlinear if you allow crack growth).

5 — XFEM setup & crack growth criteria

1. Create XFEM crack: Special → Crack → Create → choose XFEM
and select the initial crack segment.
2. XFEM interaction: Create an XFEM crack growth interaction for
the crack. In the interaction options you can select:
 o Allow crack growth: Yes (to observe propagation).
o Crack propagation criterion: Choose one of: Maximum
Tangential Stress (MTS / Max Principal) or Energy release
rate (G) with mixed-mode combination (e.g., power law /
Benzeggagh-Kenane).
o Direction criterion: Abaqus offers direction options
consistent with the chosen criterion (e.g., MTS for
tangential stress, or direction from maximum energy
release rate).
3. Critical fracture parameters: If you want actual growth you
need fracture toughness values (G_Ic, G_IIc or K_Ic). If you only
want initial propagation direction (small propagation) you can
use an artificially small fracture toughness to see an initial short
growth — or use XFEM’s predict only (some settings let you
compute direction from SIFs without physical growth). If
material toughness is unknown, you can set a low Kc for
demonstration — but note that physical realism will depend on
correct toughness.

6 — Output requests
• Field outputs: S (full stress tensor), S,PRINCIPAL, U, RF.
• Interaction/Contour integrals: enable Interaction integral
(contour integrals) around the crack to compute KI and KII
(Abaqus calls these SIF outputs).
• History output: crack front/co-ordinates if growth happens.
• Optional: request Energy release rate outputs and the chosen
propagation driving force.

7 — Run & troubleshooting

 • Run the job. If convergence issues occur, reduce increments or
use automatic stabilization. If crack propagation is not initiated,
double-check XFEM interaction settings and the chosen fracture
toughness (for demonstration lower it).

SHORT ANSWER: initial crack propagation direction will most likely

be toward the hole (i.e., it will deflect from its straight initial line and
curve toward the hole centreline), because the hole produces a strong
stress concentration ahead of the crack.

Problem 3: Double-Hole Rectangular Specimen

Problem Statement
A double-hole rectangular specimen of size 280 × 64 mm with
two circular holes of diameter 6.5 mm, as shown in the
figure, is used for a tensile test. The specimen has a thickness
of 10 mm, and other dimensions are provided in the figure.
The specimen is subjected to a uniform tensile stress of σ =
250 MPa. The material is linear elastic with Young’s modulus
E = 200 GPa and Poisson’s ratio ν = 0.3.
1) Geometry / part
1. Create a 2D planar deformable part with dimensions 280 mm
(length in x) × 64 mm (height in y). Set thickness = 10 mm in the
section properties (so Abaqus treats plane stress with that
thickness).
2. Create two circles of diameter 6.5 mm at the coordinates
shown on your figure (if not provided, a typical arrangement is
both hole centers on midline, separated by the given center-to-
 center spacing). Cut them out (Boolean remove) so you have
two holes through the part.
2) Material & section
• Material: E = 200 GPa, ν = 0.3. Define a homogeneous elastic
material.
• Create a solid homogeneous 2D section and assign to the part;
in section properties set thickness = 10 mm and behavior =
plane stress.
3) Mesh
• Element type: CPS4R (4-node plane stress, reduced
integration).
• Mesh strategy: coarse globally; refine locally around each hole
and especially in the ligament (region between holes).
Suggested local size: hole perimeter and ligament elements ~
D/20 → 6.5/20 ≈ 0.325 mm as a starting point. Do a mesh
convergence study (see below).
• Use structured seeding near holes if possible; create small
circular partitions around holes so you can control element
sizes.
4) Boundary conditions & loading
• Fix one end appropriately to prevent rigid body motion: e.g.,
fully constrain nodes at the leftmost end in Ux = 0 and one
node in Uy = 0 (or symmetric constraints if specimen geometry
requires). Avoid over-constraining.
• Apply remote uniaxial tension: 50 options:
o Preferred: apply uniform traction (surface
pressure/traction) on the left and right ends equal to 250
MPa in the x-direction (this directly imposes σ_nom = 250
MPa).
 o Alternative: apply displacement boundary such that
reaction force / cross-section gives equivalent nominal
stress.
• Step: Static, General (nonlinear if you allow crack growth).
5) Initial crack choice for XFEM
Abaqus XFEM requires an initial crack (seed) to grow. You have a few
options:
• Option A (recommended): Run a linear elastic analysis first (no
crack propagation) to locate the point of maximum principal
stress on the hole boundary / ligament. Then define a small
initial crack (e.g., length 0.5–1.0 mm) located at that point,
oriented normal to the local maximum principal tensile stress
direction. Use XFEM to allow growth from that seed.
• Option B: Insert initial microcracks at several likely locations
(both hole edges / ligament) to see which propagates.
• Option C (3D advanced): use explicit cohesive zone or
experimentally derived nucleation criteria; but for XFEM Option
A is simplest.
6) XFEM setup & crack growth criteria
1. Create the crack: Special → Crack → Create → choose XFEM
and draw the small initial crack segment on the selected hole
edge/ligament.
2. Create an XFEM crack growth interaction tied to the crack. In
the interaction:
o Allow crack growth: Enabled.
o Direction criterion: choose Maximum Tangential Stress
(MTS) or Maximum Energy Release Rate (MERR). MTS is
commonly used for initial kink predictions.
 o Propagation criterion: either energy-based (Gc + mixed
mode law like power law or BK) or stress-based. To get
physical propagation you must enter appropriate fracture
toughness values (e.g., K_Ic) — otherwise set a small Kc if
you only want to observe direction qualitatively.
3. Request Contour integrals (interaction integral/J) so Abaqus will
output K_I and K_II at the crack tip(s).
7) Outputs to request
• Field outputs: S, S,PRINCIPAL, U, RF.
• Interaction outputs: KI, KII, J, G (if configured).
• History outputs: crack front coordinates, crack length vs step if
growth occurs.
8) Run and coarse check
• Run the job. If it doesn’t start to grow, reduce Kc (for
demonstration only) or allow a small initial growth increment. If
convergence issues appear, use smaller increments, automatic
stabilization, or refine mesh.
9) Postprocessing — where cracks start & initial direction
1. First check maximum principal stress contour from the linear
elastic run: it shows where initiation is likely (peak on hole edge
/ ligament).
2. From XFEM run, examine the first short increment of crack
growth to see the initial kink angle visually.
3. Extract KI and KII at the initial crack tip (interaction integral).
Use the MTS formula or numerical scan (below) to compute the
predicted initial kink θ₀ from KI/KII — compare to Abaqus’s
XFEM direction (they should agree if the same criterion was
used).
Short Answer :
• Under uniform tensile stress σ = 250 MPa along the specimen
length, the highest tensile principal stress will occur at the hole
edges — especially in the ligament between the two holes if the
holes are close enough.
• Crack initiation is most likely at the hole edge where the
maximum principal stress is highest (commonly the ligament
between holes). The crack will initially open in Mode I
(opening) and therefore it will propagate roughly
perpendicular to the remote tensile direction (i.e., roughly
across the width), but some deflection toward the nearest hole
edge or along the ligament may occur if mixed-mode (KII ≠ 0) is
present.
• If the two holes are close, the stress concentration in the
ligament is amplified and the crack may initiate in the ligament
and propagate so as to connect the holes (coalescence). If
holes are far apart, cracks may form on each hole and
propagate outward.
Problem 4: Edge Crack in a Finite Plate (Mode I, Plane Stress)
Problem Statement
Consider a rectangular plate of width W = 200 mm and height H =
100 mm with a through thickness edge crack of length a = 10 mm
originating from the midpoint of the left edge and oriented normal to
the edge. The plate has a thickness t = 1 mm, representing a plane
stress condition. The material is linear elastic with Young’s modulus E
= 210 GPa and Poisson’s ratio ν = 0.3.
The plate is subjected to a uniform tensile stress of σ = 50 MPa
applied on the top and bottom edges. Using XFEM in Abaqus, model
the plate and the edge crack, plot the stress distribution around the
crack tip, and compute the Stress Concentration Factor (SCF).
Problem 5:

Perform crack analysis using ABAQUS XFEM for a cylindrical pressure

vessel with an internal circumferential crack. The cylinder has inner
radius Ri = 50 mm, outer radius Ro = 60 mm, and length L = 200 mm.
The crack depth is a = 5 mm and spans 10◦ around the circumference.
The material is linear elastic with E = 210 GPa and ν = 0.3. Internal
pressure P = 10 MPa is applied. Tasks: 1. Model the cylinder with the
circumferential crack using XFEM (axisymmetric elements). 2.
Simulate crack propagation and plot the stress distribution around
the crack. 3. Discuss the results, including crack opening
displacement and failure prediction
1) Geometry & modeling choice (choose one)
Option A — Full 3D cylinder (recommended if you can afford
it)
1. Create a 3D solid cylinder: inner radius Ri = 50 mm, outer radius
Ro = 60 mm, axial length L = 200 mm.
2. Create the initial circumferential crack as a patch on the inner
surface: radial depth a = 5 mm (so crack extends from r = 50 →
55 mm), and angular span 10° (e.g., −5° → +5° about
reference). Choose an axial extent for the crack (crack runs
axially along some length). If not specified, use an axial length
l_axial = 20 mm centered at mid-plane (you may change this).
Partition the inner surface so you can select that annular patch
as the XFEM seed.
Option B — 10° sector (computationally efficient)
1. Create geometry that is the annular wedge: inner radius 50 →
outer 60 mm, axial length 200 mm, circumferential extent = 10°.
2. Put the crack across the inner surface of the wedge (it may
cover the whole wedge inner face if the crack spans the entire
wedge angle).
3. Apply cyclic (periodic) boundary conditions on the two vertical
sector faces so that displacement and rotation at θ and θ+10°
are related by the rotation mapping. (Abaqus supports cyclic
symmetry in some contexts; otherwise impose equation
constraints mapping node pairs using rotation transformation.)
 If you’re not comfortable setting periodic equations, use Option
A.

2) Parts / partitions / initial crack (detailed)

1. In Part module create 3D deformable solid: sketch annulus
cross-section and extrude around axis to 360° (Option A) or
extrude 10° (Option B).
2. Create a datum plane and partition the inner cylindrical face to
define the crack patch: sketch an annular sector from r=50 to
r=55 and circumferential extent 10°. Also partition in axial
direction to give the chosen axial crack length (e.g., 20 mm).
This partition face will be the XFEM initial crack surface.
3. (Optional) create small partitions around the crack front region
to control mesh refinement later.

3) Material & section

• Create Material: E = 210000 MPa, nu = 0.3. Assign a
homogeneous 3D solid section and assign to the part.

4) Mesh
1. Element type: C3D8R (8-node brick, reduced integration).
2. Global seed: coarse away from the crack.
3. Local mesh around the crack front: element size ~ a/10 → a/20.
With a = 5 mm start with 0.5 mm → 0.25 mm near crack front.
Through thickness (radial) use ≥ 4 elements across thickness in
the crack region. Along axial direction of the crack use element
length similar to radial.
4. Use structured/sweep mesh near crack region if possible
(partitions help). XFEM doesn’t require crack-tip singular mesh,
but SIF accuracy improves with finer mesh.
Convergence plan: run 3 mesh densities (coarse, medium, fine)
and track KI and COD until changes < 3–5%.

5) Define XFEM crack & fracture properties

1. Create XFEM crack seed: Special → Crack → Create → choose
XFEM and pick the annular patch on the inner surface (the
partitioned face) as the initial crack surface.
2. Create XFEM crack growth interaction in Interaction module:
o Enable Allow crack growth = Yes.
o Choose Propagation criterion: Energy-based
(recommended) with a mixed-mode law (power-law or
Benzeggagh–Kenane), or Maximum Tangential Stress
(MTS) if you prefer.
o Provide fracture toughness values. If you don’t have
material K_IC, you must provide one to allow physically
meaningful growth. Example for demonstration only: K_IC
= 50 MPa·√m. (Replace with experimental value for real
prediction.) If using energy form supply G_Ic (G = K^2/E'
etc.).
o Limit maximum crack growth per step if needed (set small
increments to avoid sudden jumps).
Important: XFEM requires fracture property input to know
when/how to advance the crack.

6) Steps, loads & BCs

1. Step: Static, General (quasi-static). If growth is unstable use
Static, Riks or reduce increments.
2. Boundary conditions (minimal to prevent rigid motion):
o Fix axial translation at one end: e.g., bottom face UZ = 0
(all nodes or a small face).
o Fix radial at one reference node (e.g., a node on the
midplane at r = Ro): UR = 0 to prevent rigid body
rotation/translation. Do not overconstrain.
o If using sector model: impose cyclic/periodic BCs on the
two sector faces (map DOFs using rotation
transformation).
3. Load: Apply internal pressure P = 10 MPa on the inner
cylindrical surface. In CAE: Load → Pressure → select inner
curved face → magnitude 10 MPa. Verify arrow direction
(should point outward from inner wall).
4. Incrementation: set small initial increments (e.g., initial = 1e-4)
and allow automatic incrementation; set min = 1e-8, max = 0.1.
For unstable propagation reduce step size and limit crack
advance per increment.

7) Output requests
• Field outputs (every increment): S (stress tensor), S,PRINCIPAL,
U (displacement), COORD (optional).
• Interaction outputs: request Contour integral results (KI, KII,
KIII, J) from the XFEM interaction.
• History outputs: crack length, crack front coordinates, energy
release rate G vs increment.
 8) Run the job & practical tips
1. Create Job and submit. Watch for convergence issues. If Abaqus
fails to converge:
o reduce increments, enable automatic stabilization, reduce
growth increment limit, or run linear-elastic first to check
stress fields.
2. If crack growth not initiated: check fracture toughness
magnitude relative to extracted KI (run no-growth job, extract
KI; if KI < K_IC, no propagation — for demonstration reduce
K_IC).
Problem 6: 3D Crack in a Block under Tensile Load
Problem Statement
Perform crack analysis using ABAQUS XFEM for a 3D block with a
central through-thickness crack. The block dimensions are 100 × 50 ×
20 mm. The crack has length a = 20 mm and is located in the middle
of the block. The material is linear elastic with E = 200 GPa and ν =
0.3. Apply a uniform tensile stress σ = 100 MPa on the top and
bottom faces.
Tasks:
1. Model the 3D block with the central crack using XFEM (3D
elements).
2. Simulate crack propagation and visualize the 3D crack path.
3. Discuss the results, including Stress Intensity Factors, crack growth
direction, and failure mechanism.

Full step-by-step procedure

1) Create the part (3D solid)
1. Part → Create → 3D, Deformable, Solid, Approximate size: 100
mm.
2. Sketch a rectangular block 100 × 50 mm and extrude 20 mm in
the thickness direction (or create directly as a 3D solid). Keep
coordinate convention consistent (z = thickness).
2) Create the initial crack (partition and surface)
1. Create a datum plane at the block mid-thickness (z = 10 mm).
 2. On that plane sketch the planar crack: a straight line (or narrow
ellipse) of length 20 mm centered in x–y mid (for example, crack
centered at (50,25) along x axis from x = 40 → 60 mm).
3. Partition the solid with the sketch so the inner face
corresponding to the crack is selectable as a face/patch. This
partitioned face will be the XFEM initial crack surface (seed).
XFEM in 3D seeds cracks with surfaces.
Note: XFEM models a surface seed — you don’t need to split solids
into two bodies; XFEM will represent the crack within elements.
3) Material & section
1. Property → Material → create Steel with Elastic (210000 MPa,
0.3).
2. Create a Homogeneous Solid Section and assign to the block.
4) Mesh
1. Element type: C3D8R (8-node brick, reduced integration). For
higher accuracy near crack front you can use C3D20R if you
have the CPU.
2. Mesh controls: hex (sweep) if geometry allows; otherwise use
structured seeds.
3. Local refinement near crack front: create small partition region
(a thin box surrounding the crack plane) and seed with fine size.
Recommended starting sizes:
o coarse-away: 3–5 mm
o near-tip region: element edge length ≈ 𝑎/20→ 20/20 =
1.0mm, better 0.5–1.0 mm. Use 0.5 mm for more
accuracy.
o through-thickness: have ≥ 4 elements across thickness in
the refined region (so thickness 20 mm => 4 elements
 gives 5 mm each; ideally refine further; but crack is mid-
plane; ensure enough resolution across thickness).
4. Mesh the part. Use smaller size in a boxed region around the
crack to control DOFs.
Convergence plan: run medium mesh, then refine near crack front to
0.5→0.25 mm and track KI, J, COD. Accept when changes < ~3–5%.
5) Create XFEM crack & fracture interaction
1. Special → Crack → Create → choose Type = XFEM and select
the small partitioned face (the planar patch) as the initial crack
seed. Name it Crack1.
2. Interaction → Create → XFEM crack growth interaction:
o Allow crack growth = Yes.
o Propagation criterion: Energy-based with mixed-mode
plasticity or MTS — for linear elastic fracture use energy
criterion with G_Ic (or K_Ic converted). If you only want
direction, MTS is okay.
o Fracture properties: supply fracture toughness. If you do
not have K_Ic, you must supply something for growth to
occur in a realistic sense. For demonstration you may
choose a representative K_IC (e.g., 30–50 MPa√m) —
explicitly document any assumed value. Alternatively, run
first with growth disabled (stationary XFEM) and extract
KI, then decide based on real K_IC whether growth will
occur.
o Crack growth control: set maximum crack advance per
increment to a small value (for stable growth), e.g., 0.5
mm or 1 element length.
o Enrichment radius: leave default or set to cover a few
element layers (~2–4) around crack front.
6) Steps, loads & BCs
1. Step: Create Static, General step (name Step-1). For unstable
growth you might need Static, Riks.
2. Boundary conditions (minimum to prevent rigid body):
o Fix one bottom face node set: UZ = 0 (if z is axial).
o Restrict one node in-plane to prevent rigid translation
(e.g., fix Ux=0 at one node). Do not overconstrain.
3. Loading: Apply uniform tensile stress σ = 100 MPa:
o Option A: apply surface traction (pressure) on top and
bottom faces as Traction with magnitude 100 MPa in the
normal direction. (Direct traction is simplest.)
o Option B: apply displacement that produces same
nominal stress (less direct).
4. Incrementation: start with initial increment small (e.g., 1e-3)
and allow automatic incrementation. Set min increment small
(1e-8), max 0.1.
7) Output requests
• Field outputs: S, S,PRINCIPAL, U.
• For fracture: request Contour integral results (KI, KII, KIII, J)
from the XFEM interaction.
• History outputs: crack length vs increment, energy release
rates, reaction forces.
8) Run the job
• Create Job → submit. Watch the job monitor for convergence. If
non-convergence during growth:
o reduce initial increment, reduce permitted crack advance
per increment, enable automatic stabilization, or try Riks.
 Under uniform tensile loading perpendicular to the crack plane, the
crack experiences predominantly Mode I opening. The crack
front will tend to extend in the plane, propagating roughly
perpendicular to the remote tensile axis (i.e., crack surfaces open,
front advances outward from the initial line).
Because this is a through-thickness central crack in a finite block, KI
will vary along the crack front (edge effects near block faces). Expect
the highest KI at the mid-span of the crack front in absence of
geometric asymmetry, but if geometry ends or free surfaces exist,
local maxima might appear near free boundaries.