1. Reference problem

1.1. Geometry

Figure 1.1-a : geometry of the cracked plate

Geometric dimensions of the cracked plate:

width	\(L=8m\)
thickness	\(E=1m\)
height	\(H=18m\)

The crack is initially oriented at \(45°\), with the front initially positioned at \((x,\mathrm{2,}9)\).

1.2. Material properties

Young’s module \(E=205000\mathrm{MPa}\)

Poisson’s ratio \(\nu =0.3\)

For the case of models with cohesive elements, the material parameters are:

Critical constraint \({\sigma }_{c}=2\mathit{MPa}\)

Energy tenacity \({G}_{c}=17.75{\mathit{N.m}}^{-1}\)

1.3. Boundary conditions and loads

Boundary conditions:

Point \(P\): \(\Delta X=\Delta Y=\Delta Z=0\)

Points on segment \(\mathrm{AB}\): \(\Delta X=\Delta Z=0\)

Points on the surface \(\text{INF}\): \(\Delta Z\mathrm{=}0\)

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Surface pressure \(\text{SUP}\): \(P=-1\mathrm{MPa}\)