7. Conclusion

In code_aster, cleavage can be predicted with four models; three of them (Beremin, Bordet, Le Corre) are based on a constrained criterion (so-called local approach), the last one (\({G}_{P}\)) being based on elastic energy (so-called energetic approach). Their respective fields of validity make it possible to analyze complex loading situations, in particular non-proportional loading cases. Calculations in ductile/fragile transition zones pose more difficulty, and still deserve fairly broad validation.

The main advice is to ensure that the thermo-mechanical calculation runs as smoothly as possible. If mechanical fields are calculated too closely, the quality of the predictions will be affected.

The second piece of advice is to compare the predictions of several approaches, and, as with all numerical simulations, to take a critical look at the results obtained.