1. Reference problem

1.1. Geometry

Figure 1.1-a : geometry of the cracked plate

Geometric dimensions of the cracked plate:

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

Initial plane crack length: \({a}_{0}=\mathrm{2m}\)

The crack is positioned in the middle of the height of the plate (\(H/2\)).

1.2. Material properties

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

Poisson’s ratio \(\nu =0.3\)

1.3. Boundary conditions and loads

Figure 1.3-a : 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 \(\text{INF}\): \(\Delta Z=0\)

Charging:

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

Charging is constant during propagation. Three calls to operator PROPA_FISS are made to simulate the propagation of the initial crack already present in the structure. At each call the advance and the direction of propagation of each point of the crack bottom are imposed:

Advance from the bottom point: \(\Delta a=0.4m\)

Propagation angle: \(\beta =30°\)

The positive direction of angle \(\beta\) is visible on the.

The bottom of the crack stays always right throughout the propagation. The motivation for this choice will be explained in paragraph 4.