Characteristic element length

[R.Eng]

How can I calculate Characteristic element length and Fracture energy for Damage evolution in ductile damage module in ABAQUS?
Suppose that:
1-The model has S4R shell element
2- The finest element shape is like the picture
3- Type of mesh is Orphan mesh
4- Total Fracture area below the Stress-Strain Curve is 60

 

[FEA way]

Check the documentation chapter "Damage evolution and element removal for ductile metals", it describes it all in detail. You don’t have to define characteristic length, just the fracture energy.

 

[R.Eng]

FEA way You are right but I don't know how to calculate fracture energy. It depends on L and Total fracture area.

 

[FEA way]

To define fracture energy you can use the area under stress-strain curve that you've mentioned before. Hilleborg's model is really common so you should be able to find some additional resources besides the Abaqus documentation.