Most fracture calculations rely on the element nodal-connectivity order and must conform to the pattern shown for each element as documented.

For high-order elements, do not drop the middle nodes in the element nodal connectivity.

In most cases, use sweeping meshes along the crack fronts in 3D modeling. For a more accurate and efficient analysis when a crack-tip-field singularity exists, use a finer mesh in the near field around the crack than you would in far-field meshes. For 2D axisymmetric problems, use a finer mesh in the region near the crack tip.

If pressure loads exist on the crack surfaces, they must be applied on solid elements directly.

Fracture-parameter calculations based on domain integrations such as stress-intensity factors, J-integral, or material force are not supported when contact elements exist inside the domain. The calculations may become path-dependent unless the contact pressure is negligible.

Mechanical APDL assumes the effects of kinetic-energy density and crack-growth speed to be negligible and does not account for them in the fracture-parameter calculations.