13. Summary of results

The kinematics of opening a crack connected to several other cracks is possible with \(\text{X-FEM}\). However, in some cases, it is necessary to link these cracks together via the keyword JONCTION, even if these cracks are apriori not connected to each other.

The approach was validated in \(\mathrm{2D}\) for C_ PLAN and D_ PLAN models and for elements of type QUAD4 and TRIA3. The approach was also validated in \(\mathrm{3D}\) for elements HEXA8 and TETRA4, with and without contact.