ANSYS Fracture Modeling, help!

[EmcK]

Hi everyone!
I am trying to build and analyze a fracture model for a simple 2D asphalt structure. I have been advised that using the Cohesive Zone Modeling approach would be best. What I've learned so far is that i need to put an elem like INTER203 around the crack tip and a corresponding elem like PLANE2 elsewhere. In order to include both elems on the same model I have created two separate areas, one for each elem type. I identify the material and choose a plane stress analysis for both elements, and then successfully free mesh the outer area with PLANE2. When I try to mesh the fracture area with INTER203, an error tells me that I cannot use the command "AMES" w/ INTER203, mesh aborted. I don't think that the command AMES exists, so I'm assuming they mean AMESH. Do I need to use an alternate method to mesh with INTER203?
Evan

 

[Transient1]

Hi Evan,

For cohesive zone modeling there does exist the czmesh command. I suggest looking into the fracture mechanics (Ch 12 in the most recent publication)chapter of the Structural Analysis guide as well as in the verification manual inputs, (VM248 would probably be helpful as well as others). You can get the inputs as well as the guide from the customer portal or by a google search. You would be correct that the command for meshing an area is AMESH.