[ABAQUS] Through-wall crack in a pipe

Hi iMechanicians,

Currently modelling pipes, I am trying to calculate J-integral for through-wall crack. I do not use XFEM method since it does not work very well with elastic-plastic materials then I use the classic approach and I must sketch a precise mesh around the crack tip, which is perpendicular to the external (and internal too) surfaceof the pipe.

The problem I encounter is how to sketch a mesh on the external surface of the pipe as long as it is not a plane. I have tried a lot of tools ABAQUS provides, looked into the documentation and on the internet, all without success.

For instance, I dont know how to sketch (the sketch of the mesh I want around the crack tip) on a datum plane and how to partition the pipe by sweeping this sketch along the crack tip.

So I come to you to ask help and advice regarding the relevant procedure to do it

Please find two pictures from ABAQUS. The first one is the geometry of the pipe with the crack and the second one (CT-specimen) depicts a the mesh sketch I want for the pipe.

Thanks in advance for your help. Have a nice day.

Paul