FRANC3D Crack Growth Training

FRANC3D training for fracture mechanics and 3D crack growth simulation. Learn to import finite element models, insert cracks, compute stress intensity factors, and predict fatigue life through step-by-step engineering tutorials.

FRANC3D Training Slides

1: Introduction to Fatigue and Damage Tolerance
2: Introduction to Fracture Mechanics
3: Introduction to FRANC3D
4: FRANC3D User Interface (GUI)
5: Finite Element Model Import into FRANC3D
6: Crack Insertion and Meshing
7: Static Crack Analysis
8: Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs)
9: Crack Growth
10: SIF History and Fatigue Life
11: Miscellaneous Topics

Download all Training Slides (ZIP, 15 MB)

Training combines theory and concepts with hands-on use of FRANC3D.  The slides provide brief answers to the questions:
 What Is Fracture Mechanics (FM)?
 What Is Stress Intensity Factor?
 What Is Fatigue Crack Growth?
 What Is Damage Tolerance?
 What Is Mixed-Mode Fracture?
 What is LEFM or Elastic-Plastic (or NL) FM?
 How is Crack Growth Predicted?
 How are Finite Elements (FE) Used in FM?
 What are Quarter-Point Elements?
The slides also outline the FRANC3D process (steps) for simulating 3D crack growth and computing fatigue life, using a very simple FE model.

FRANC3D / ANSYS Tutorial #1 Training Material

Training slides and the three videos below provide introductory training for Tutorial #1 using FRANC3D and ANSYS. The simulation includes FE model import and subdivision, crack insertion, static analysis, stress intensity factor calculation, automated crack growth, and fatigue life computation. Download the FRANC3D/Ansys Tutorial 1 training slides, which describe the workflow shown in the three videos. ABAQUS, NASTRAN and Sierra versions of Tutorial #1 use the same workflow.

Part 1: FE model import, crack insertion and analysis.

Part 2: SIF computation, manual and auto crack growth.

Part 3: SIF history display and fatigue life computation.

FRANC3D demonstration using a FE model of a minidisk.

These four videos use the minidisk model from Russ et al. (SPIE 5394, 2004). This model is not part of the Tutorials or Benchmarks.

FE model import and local submodel extraction for crack insertion.

Insert a crack into the local FE model.

Grow the crack after computing SIFs.

Compute the fatigue cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in FRANC3D training?

Training covers fatigue and damage tolerance, fracture mechanics fundamentals, finite element model import, crack insertion, stress intensity factor (SIF) calculations, crack growth simulation, and fatigue life prediction. See training parts 1-11.

Who should use these FRANC3D training materials?

These tutorials are intended for engineers, analysts, researchers, and graduate students working with fracture mechanics, crack growth analysis, and durability assessments.

Do I need prior fracture mechanics experience?

Yes, basic knowledge of finite element analysis and fracture mechanics is required, but the training materials begin with introductory concepts before progressing to advanced workflows.

Which finite element analysis (FEA) software can be used with FRANC3D?

FRANC3D supports workflows with ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, and Sierra.

How are stress intensity factors calculated in FRANC3D?

FRANC3D computes Mode I, II, and III stress intensity factors from finite element results and uses them for crack growth direction and fatigue life calculations. See training part 8.

Can FRANC3D simulate fatigue crack growth?

Yes. FRANC3D can simulate fatigue crack growth, calculate SIF histories, and estimate fatigue life using fracture mechanics-based methodologies. See training parts 9-10.

How long does it take to complete the training?

The training is self-paced. Most users can complete the introductory slide series and tutorial videos over several days of study.

Where can I download the tutorial model files?

Tutorial model files are available from the FAC downloads folder linked on the Benchmarks page.