terms of analysis for propagating crack

[Marina Grigorovitch]

Hi everybody
In my research I develop special multiscale approach to expand homogenization theory.
Up to now I modeled a crack response through comparing with analytical solution and full fine element model. It worked well with stationary crack.
Now I want to model a propagating crack and I'm confused, because I'm not sure what kind of results can be used to give me a good indication that my simulation is valid and also compare my method with known solutions.
Force -displacement curve is useful but in my case is the model is a plate under axial load in opposites sides, so I don’t not really have constrains that can give me a force reaction.
Please advise

 

[FEA way]

Check the documentation example "Crack propagation in a plate with a hole simulated using XFEM". This benchmark problem features comparison with theory.