Implementation of the virtual crack closure technique in engineering FE calculations

Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) for stress intensity factor (SIF) calculations was proposed 30 years ago. This technique has not yet been implemented in large commercial finite element codes. The intended aim of the paper is to show general conditions of applying the VCCT in conjunction with commercial programs.An overview of the VCCT is presented. Equations for three-dimensional brick elements are given. Algorithms of applying the VCCT are presented and precisely explained. General conditions and limitations for using the VCCT with commercial software are provided. An example of implementing the VCCT in the MSC.Patran follows. The presented example consists of two PATRAN-dedicated procedures. In this way a useful tool for fracture mechanics calculations has been created.