17 EXtended FEM

The eXtended Finite Element Method
Code_Aster, Salome-Meca course material

GNU FDL licence (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)
Outline
1. Motivation
2. Theoretical aspects
Level Sets Method
X-FEM enrichments
3. Application to Code_Aster
Crack definition (Level Sets)
Enriched Finite Elements (X-FEM)
Post-processing in fracture mechanics
Visualisation
4. Advanced tools
Mesh refinement
Crack propagation
2 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material
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Motivation
Goals
Study of cracked structures without explicitly meshing crack
Automatic crack propagation on a single mesh
Finite Element Method (FEM)

Crack is explicitly meshed
A long time (human intervention) is needed to mesh complex
structures
Re-meshing is required if changing the crack geometry
(parametric study) or position (propagation)
eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM)

Simple mesh (does not respect the crack geometry)
Unique mesh for entire propagation process
Simple extension of FEM (relatively suitable for
implementation in a EF software)
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Outline
2. Theoretical aspects
Level Sets Method
X-FEM enrichments
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Representation of crack by Level sets

Main idea: interface = iso-zero of a distance function
In mechanics: used for modelling interfaces between materials,
edges, voids, cracks
LS > 0
LS = 0
LS < 0
Iso-values of LS for a spherical

interface
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Representation of crack by Level sets

2 level sets
are needed
LSN(x)
LST(x)
Crack
plane
(LSN = 0)
Crack
(LSN = 0 LST < 0)
Iso-values of LST
Iso-zero of LSN
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X-FEM enrichment
X-FEM = Two enrichments
Enrichment with a Heaviside function to represent a discontinuous field (displacement
jump) across the interface
NB : The actual formulation is more complex but not detailed here for the sake of simplicity
Enrichment with asymptotic functions near the crack tip
Classical part
(continuous)
Asymptotic
enrichment
(singular)
Heaviside
enrichment
(discontinuous)
1,4
u(x) = ai Ni (x) + bi Ni (x) H ( x ) + c1,4
i Ni ( x )B ( r , )
Finite elements enriched with

Heaviside function
Finite elements enriched with
asymptotic functions (~r)
B = r sin , r cos , r sin sin , r cos sin

2
2
2
2
lsn
(signed distance functions)
lst
2
2
1
where r = lsn + lst , = tan
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Outline
3. Application to Code_Aster
Crack definition (Level Sets)
Enriched Finite Element (X-FEM)
Visualisation
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Crack Definition (Level sets)

sane mesh
Definition of a crack (or an interface) with the

command DEFI_FISS_XFEM
Choice of the mesh
Choice of a crack or a interface
Definition of the crack or the interface with level sets
Definition of the enrichment zone (optional)
Definition of the type of enrichment (optional)
Mesh
Crack definition
(level sets)
Finite Element
Enrichment
Computation
Resolution
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
Visualisation
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sane mesh
Mesh
Choice of a mesh
FISS=DEFI_FISS_XFEM(MAILLAGE=MAILLA,
Crack definition
(level sets)
Finite Element
Enrichment
The sane mesh is provided via the keyword MAILLAGE (mandatory)

Level sets will be computed at all the nodes of this mesh
Computation
Resolution
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
Visualisation
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sane mesh
Mesh
Choice of a crack (fissure in French) or an interface

Crack definition
(level sets)
TYPE_DISCONTINUITE = / 'FISSURE',
/ 'INTERFACE'
)
A crack
An interface
[DEFAULT]
Finite Element
Enrichment
Computation
Resolution
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
Visualisation
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sane mesh
Mesh
Choice of a crack (fissure in French) or an interface

Crack definition
(level sets)
TYPE_DISCONTINUITE = / 'FISSURE',
/ 'INTERFACE'
Finite Element
Enrichment
DEFI_FISS=_F()
)
Level sets defined under the keyword DEFI_FISS
Computation
Resolution
4 available methods:
Analytical functions
Pre-defined geometries
(only this method is
Projection onto group of elements
employed in this workshop)
Lecture of pre-computed LSN and LST fields
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
Visualisation
GNU FDL Licence

sane mesh
Mesh
Method 1: analytical functions

Crack definition
(level sets)
LSN=FORMULE(NOM_PARA=('X','Y','Z'),VALE='Z-H')
LST=FORMULE(NOM_PARA=('X','Y','Z'),VALE=Y-a')
Finite Element
Enrichment
DEFI_FISS=_F( FONC_LN=LSN,
FONC_LT=LST,),
z
H
)
a
Rapidity
Formula of LSN and LST not available for
complex crack geometries
Formula of LSN and LST are available only for very simple crack
geometries
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Computation
Resolution
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
Visualisation

sane mesh
Mesh
Method 2: pre-defined geometries

Crack definition
(level sets)
DEFI_FISS=_F(
FORM_FISS='ELLIPSE',
DEMI-GRAND_AXE = 0.4,
Half major axis

Half minor axis
Low risk of user error

Rapidity
DEMI-PETIT_AXE = 0.2,
CENTRE = (0.5, 0.5, 0.5),
VECT_X = (0. , 1. , 0.2 ),
VECT_Y = (-1., 0. , 0.4 ),
))
Automatic crack front

orientation
Computation
Resolution
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
This method is highly recommended

If a crack geometry is not available in the catalogue, propose a new
development to the Code_Aster team
Finite Element
Enrichment
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Visualisation

sane mesh
Mesh
Method 2: pre-defined geometries

Crack definition
(level sets)
FORM_FISS = SIMP (
# type of cracks :
3d : "ELLIPSE","CYLINDRE","DEMI_PLAN" (half-plane)
Finite Element
Enrichment
Computation
Resolution
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
2d : "DEMI_DROITE ", "SEGMENT"

Visualisation
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sane mesh
Mesh
Method 3: projection onto groups of elements

Crack definition
(level sets)
DEFI_FISS=_F( GROUP_MA_FISS=MA_FISS,
GROUP_MA_FOND=MA_FOND),
Finite Element
Enrichment
)
Computation
Resolution
z
Groups of 2D elements : MA_FISS

H
Capability of building complex cracks
Time consuming
Visualisation
Groups of 1D elements : MA_FOND
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
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sane mesh
Method 4: lecture of a pre-computed LSN and LST

fields
TBLSN=LIRE_TABLE(UNITE=38,
FORMAT='ASTER',
Mesh
Crack definition
(level sets)
Finite Element
Enrichment
NUME_TABLE=1,
SEPARATEUR=' ',
TITRE='level set normale',)
CHLSN=CREA_CHAMP(OPERATION='EXTR',TABLE=TBLSN,
TYPE_CHAM='NOEU_NEUT_R',MAILLAGE=MAILLAG1)
DEFI_FISS=_F( CHAM_NO_LSN=CHLSN,
CHAM_NO_LST=CHLST),
)
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Computation
Resolution
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
Visualisation
advanced
sane mesh
Mesh
Definition of enrichment zone

Restriction of the crack definition zone with GROUP_MA_ENRI
Crack definition
(level sets)
DEFI_FISS=_F(GROUP_MA_FISS=MA_FISS,
Finite Element
Enrichment
GROUP_MA_ENRI = M_LEFT,
)
Crack extension
crack
(un-intentional)
optional keyword
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
M_LEFT,
Extension of the crack
front
Computation
Resolution
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M_RIGHT,
Visualisation
advanced
sane mesh
Mesh
Definition of the type of enrichment

Crack definition
(level sets)
DEFI_FISS=_F(GROUP_MA_FISS=MA_FISS,
Finite Element
Enrichment
GROUP_MA_ENRI = M_VOL,
TYPE_ENRI_FOND
= / 'TOPOLOGIQUE'
[DEFAULT]
/ 'GEOMETRIQUE'
Computation
Resolution
TOPOLOGIQUE
GEOMETRIQUE
optional keyword
Post-processing
SIF,
propagation
Visualisation
RAYON_ENRI / NB_COUCHES
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Maillage
Mesh
# Crack definition
FISS = DEFI_FISS_XFEM(MAILLAGE = MAILLA,
...
DEFI_FISS=_F(...),)
Crack
Dfinition
definition
de la
fissure
(level
(level
sets)
sets)
# Sane model definition
Enrichissement
Finite Element
des
Enrichment
lments
finis
MOD_SAIN = AFFE_MODELE(MAILLAGE = MAILLA,

...
AFFE = _F(...),)
Available modelisations: 3D, C_PLAN, D_PLAN, AXIS
Computation
Calcul Resolution
Rsolution
Linear or Quadratic elements

(but X-FEM quadratic elements are still unstable in Version 12)
The crack and the sane model must be defined on the same mesh
Post-processing
Post-traitement
FICs,
SIF,
critre
propagation
Visualisation
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Maillage
Mesh
# Crack definition
FISS = DEFI_FISS_XFEM(MAILLAGE = MAILLA,
...
DEFI_FISS=_F(...),)
Crack
Dfinition
definition
de la
fissure
(level
(level
sets)
sets)
# Sane model definition
Enrichissement
Finite Element
des
Enrichment
lments
finis
MOD_SAIN = AFFE_MODELE(MAILLAGE = MAILLA,

...
AFFE = _F(...),)
# Creation of a model with enriched elements (X-FEM)
Computation
Calcul Resolution
Rsolution
MOD_FISS=MODI_MODELE_XFEM(MODELE_IN = MOD_SAIN,
FISSURE
FISSURE accepts also a list of

cracks / interfaces
= FISS)
MOD_SAIN is the sane model

FISS is the crack
MOD_FISS must be used from now on (loadings, material)
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Post-processing
Post-traitement
FICs,
SIF,
critre
propagation
Visualisation
Resolution
Maillage
Mesh
Computation for non-linear studies in quasistatic : STAT_NON_LINE, MECA_STATIQUE,

THER_LINEAIRE
CHXFEM=AFFE_CHAR_MECA(MODELE=MOD_FISS,
LIAISON_XFEM='OUI')
RESU=STAT_NON_LINE(CHAM_MATER=CHAMPMAT,
EXCIT=(_F(CHARGE=CH1,),
_F(CHARGE=CHXFEM)),
MODELE=MOD_FISS,
SOLVEUR=_F(METHODE='MUMPS'))
if contact on crack faces: MUMPS

solver
Specific additional
loading for X-FEM
only necessary with
contact
No new keyword:
The crack is known
via the model
(enrich elements)
Crack
Dfinition
definition
de la
fissure
(level
(level
sets)
sets)
Enrichissement
Finite Element
des
Enrichment
lments
finis
Computation
Calcul Resolution
Rsolution
Post-processing
Post-traitement
FICs,
SIF,
critre
propagation
Visualisation
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Resolution
Focus on the sub-element cutting process
Context: numerical integration of rigidity terms and right-hand side force terms for
elements cut by the crack
On an element cut through by the crack, the integrand might be discontinuous
Numerical integration with Gauss method on the whole element is not possible
Solution: sub-element cutting (only for integration purpose)
[K e ] = [B] [D][B]de
t
with
[B ] = (i ) ( j ) H (k ) F + k (F ) ,
[K e ] = [B]t [D][B]d se
sub elements
se
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= 1,4

Maillage
Mesh
Idem for meshed cracks (FEM)

POST_K1_K2_K3
CALC_G
PK=POST_K1_K2_K3(
Crack
Dfinition
definition
de la
fissure
(level
(level
sets)
sets)
MODELISATION='3D',
MATER=ACIER,
FISSURE = FISS,
RESULTAT = UTOT1,
NB_POINT_FOND = 15,
ABSC_CURV_MAXI = 0.3)
TABFIC=CALC_G(RESULTAT=RESU,
OPTION='CALC_K_G',
THETA=_F(FISSURE=FISS,
R_INF=0.1,
R_SUP=0.3,
NB_POINT_FOND = 15))
Enrichissement
Finite Element
des
Enrichment
lments
finis
Limit the postprocessing on few

points along the crack
front
reduction of the
oscillations
Computation
Calcul Resolution
Rsolution
Post-processing
Post-traitement
FICs,
SIF,
critre
propagation
Visualisation
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Post- processing for visualisation

Impossible to visualise the crack opening on the computational
mesh (sane mesh)
Need for a visualisation tool
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Post- processing for visualisation

Maillage
Mesh
Creation of a mesh for visualisation purpose

Creation of result fields on this mesh
MA_VISU = POST_MAIL_XFEM( MODELE = MOD_FISS)
MO_VISU = AFFE_MODELE(MAILLAGE = MA_VISU, AFFE=_F())
RES_VISU = POST_CHAM_XFEM( MODELE_VISU = MO_VISU,
RESULTAT = RESU)
Crack
Dfinition
definition
de la
fissure
(level
(level
sets)
sets)
Finite
Enrichissement
Elements
des
Enrichment
lments
finis
Computation
Calcul Resolution
Rsolution
IMPR_RESU(RESU=_F(RESULTAT = RES_XFEM))
Post-processing
Post-traitement
FICs,
SIF,
critre
propagation
Visualisation
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Outline
4. Advanced tools
Mesh refinement
Crack propagation
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Mesh refinement
Stress is proportional to 1/r, with r the distance to the
crack front
For both crack representations using FEM or X-FEM, mesh
needs to be fine enough for accurate SIF computation
Importance of the mesh refinement near the crack front
r
von Mises stresses near crack tip
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Mesh refinement
A sane mesh needs to be refined before launching the FE
analysis (adaptation a priori)
Refinement near the crack tip (2D) or near the crack front (3D)
Automatic operation using the distance to the crack front (computed by level sets)
Only elements nearest to the crack from are refined

Automatic mesh refinement loop
Refined sane mesh
Initial
sane
mesh
Level sets
Distance to
the crack-front
Refinement
software
(HOMARD)
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X-FE analysis
SIFs
Mesh refinement in Code_Aster

Level sets computation on the initial mesh
(DEFI_FISS_XFEM)
Computation of the refinement criteria
(RAFF_XFEM)
goal: to localize the area near the crack front
r = distance to the crack front
r = lsn 2 + lst 2
Near crack front, error 0
Far crack front, error -
error = r
Mesh refinement (MACR_ADAP_MAIL)

Homard will refine the elements with the
mathematically largest error
For ex., 10% of the elements with the largest error will
be refined
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mesh = LIRE_MAILLAGE()
crack = DEFI_FISS_XFEM()
error = RAFF_XFEM()
refmesh =
MACR_ADAP_MAIL()
Mesh refinement in Code_Aster

MA=LIRE_MAILLAGE()
MO=AFFE_MODELE(MAILLAGE=MA,
AFFE=_F(TOUT=OUI,PHENOMENE='MECANIQUE',
MODELISATION='3D'))
# crack definition
FISS = DEFI_FISS_XFEM(MODELE=MO,
DEFI_FISS=_F(FORM_FISS
DEMI_GRAND_AXE
DEMI_PETIT_AXE
CENTRE
VECT_X
VECT_Y
GROUP_MA_ENRI='CUBE')
=
=
=
=
=
=
'ELLIPSE',
2.,
2.,
(0.,0.,0.),
(1.,0.,0.),
(0.,1.,0.),),
Possibility to
use python for
a loop
# error field
CH_ERR=RAFF_XFEM(FISSURE=FISS)
# Mesh refinement (call of HOMARD software)
MACR_ADAP_MAIL(ADAPTATION='RAFFINEMENT',
CHAM_GD = CH_ERR,
CRIT_RAFF_PE = 0.1,
TYPE_VALEUR_INDICA='V_RELATIVE',
NOM_CMP_INDICA = 'X1',
MAILLAGE_N = MA,
MAILLAGE_NP1 = CO(MA2),)
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Refined mesh
Examples of mesh refinement
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Mesh refinement
Practical advises
It is better to refine a few number of elements at several times than a lot of elements
once
All the calls to MACR_ADAP_MAIL must be done in one .comm file
Warning: the refined mesh depends on the crack geometry
1) File for refinement: ref.comm

IN : coarse mesh + crack geometry
OUT : refined mesh
1) File for refinement + computation:

ref_comput.comm
2) File for computation: comput.comm
IN : coarse mesh + crack geometry
IN : refined mesh + crack geometry
OUT : refined mesh + results
OUT : results
Inconvenient : re-launch the refinement
if changing the crack
Inconvenient : time of refinement for

each computation
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Fatigue Propagation (constant amplitude)

Computation of fatigue propagation: 3 ingredients
A propagation law (gives the increment of crack advance)
A bifurcation criterion (gives the bifurcation angle)
An algorithm for the crack update
Specific to X-FEM +
level sets framework
Propagation of a 2d crack in a
plate under tension with a hole
common to meshed
and non-meshed
cracks
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Ingredient n1: propagation law
Paris law
da
m
= C.(K eq )
dN
C and m : material parameters
1 + 2 2
K eq = K + K +
K III
2
1
2
I
Equivalent stress intensity factor
Propagation driven by a maximal advance increment : amax
Ingredient n2: bifurcation criterion

Maximum Hoop Stress (Erdogan, Sih)

1 K
= 2 arctan I sign(K II )
4 K II

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KI
K II
+ 8
2
II

Ingredient n3: crack update
Crack update = level sets update (X-FEM + level set framework)
3 methods available in Code_Aster for the level sets update
(operator PROPA_FISS)
nave approach: MAILLAGE method
SIMPLEX method
UPWIND method
GEOMETRIQUE method
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nave approach: MAILLAGE method
level sets update = adding a segment/an
elementary surface (due to crack advancement)
to the crack discretization, then computation of
level sets by orthogonal projection of the nodes on
this new crack location
Advance
increment: da
Initial crack
bifurcation
angle:
Already in DEFI_FISS_XFEM (projection onto

groups of elements)
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SIMPLEX and UPWIND methods
Numerical methods for level set update
+ H ( ) = f (x )
SIMPLEX method
Evaluation of the contribution of each element to the level set update on a node, then selection of the
positives contributions to get a monotone scheme
Main limitation: developed only for simplex elements (triangles in 2D and tetrahedrons in 3D)
UPWIND method
Selective finite differences scheme
Auxiliary regular grid is required for complex geometry
GEOMETIQUE method
This technique uses a vector propagation of the crack front and its local basis and an estimation
of the distances in this local basis.
Faster than the other techniques and capable of modeling 3D non-planar crack growth.
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Propagation of a quarter-disk crack with

automatic mesh adaptation
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Conclusion on X-FEM in Code_Aster

Available in Code_Aster (in version 11)
Behaviour law: linear elasticity, non-linear, elasto-plasticity
Modelisations: plane strain, plane stress, axi-symmetrical, 3D
Loadings: pressure on crack faces; displacement boundary conditions near the crack
(symmetry conditions); rotation, gravity
Contact on crack faces
Finite elements: linear or quadratic
One or multiple crack, crack net, crack branching
Post-processing in fracture mechanics: CALC_G and POST_K1_K2_K3
Visualisation: displacements and stresses on a cracked mesh
Crack propagation (2d, 3d in-plane and out-of-plane)
Modal analysis
Under development/validation
Friction on crack faces (or interface)
Cohesive Zone Modelling
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References
General user documentation
[U2.05.02] how to use X-FEM
Operator documentation
[U4.82.08] Operator DEFI_FISS_XFEM
[U4.41.11] Operator MODI_MODELE_XFEM
[U4.82.11] Operator PROPA_FISS
[U4.82.21] Operator POST_MAIL_XFEM
[U4.82.22] Operator POST_CHAM_XFEM
General user documentation

[R7.02.12] eXtended Finite Element Method
Propagation and crack

branching
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End of presentation
Is something missing or unclear in this document?
Or feeling happy to have read such a clear tutorial?
Please, we welcome any feedbacks about Code_Aster training materials.
Do not hesitate to share with us your comments on the Code_Aster forum
dedicated thread.
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The eXtended Finite Element Method

Code_Aster, Salome-Meca course material

GNU FDL Licence

Finite Element Method (FEM)

eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM)

GNU FDL Licence

4 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

GNU FDL Licence

Representation of crack by Level sets

Iso-values of LS for a spherical

GNU FDL Licence

Representation of crack by Level sets

6 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

GNU FDL Licence

Enrichment with asymptotic functions near the crack tip

Finite elements enriched with

7 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

B = r sin , r cos , r sin sin , r cos sin

GNU FDL Licence

8 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

Definition of a crack (or an interface) with the

9 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

The sane mesh is provided via the keyword MAILLAGE (mandatory)

10 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

Choice of a crack (fissure in French) or an interface

11 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

Choice of a crack (fissure in French) or an interface

Level sets defined under the keyword DEFI_FISS

12 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

Method 1: analytical functions

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

Method 2: pre-defined geometries

Half major axis

Low risk of user error

Automatic crack front

This method is highly recommended

14 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

Method 2: pre-defined geometries

2d : "DEMI_DROITE ", "SEGMENT"

15 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

Method 3: projection onto groups of elements

Groups of 2D elements : MA_FISS

Capability of building complex cracks

Groups of 1D elements : MA_FOND

16 - Code_Aster and Salome-Meca course material

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Crack Definition (Level sets)

Method 4: lecture of a pre-computed LSN and LST

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