I am using an MPC subroutine (ABAQUS Standard) that will allow me to release nodes along the line of symmetry which also happens to be my defined crack-path when the strain at that point crosses a critical value. This is to simulate crack propagation using the Critical Plastic Strain Fracture Mechanics Model (CPFSM) / Rice-Tracey model.

I am having trouble in defining the MPC in my *.inp file as I am unaware of as to how to define the nodes upon which I intend to impose the MPC. The manual instructs one to type the individual nodes following the command line:

I've mostly had quite helpful responses from iMechanica participants whenever I've asked questions on this forum.  However, I've noticed that questions from several posters have gone unanswered.  I feel that there are two main reasons for that lack of response:

1) The questioner has not provided an adequate details by which they can be identified.  I generally don't like responding to a question posed by someone called xyz1983. 

Dear Mechanicians,

Do you know how to predict the mechanical properties of wire after being drawn with several dies ? especially with Duplex stailess steel material.

A postdoc position in multiscale stochastic computation will be available in Fall 2008. Experience on finite elements, multiscale methods, high performance/parallel computing, or computational fracture/damage modeling is desired. Please contact:      



X. Frank Xu, xxu1 [at] stevens.edu (xxu1[at]stevens[dot]edu)

I intend to do some tensile testing on some composite materials with very small thickness (about 0.5-1mm) and size 3 cm x 1 cm in a temperature ramp mode. I would like to know the name of such a testing machine or contact if any one has the same?

An engineer position is available for PhD graduates from the areas of solid mechanics at the Houston area. Abilities of design, experimentation, and good communication skill are required. Please contact zyong1510 [at] yahoo.com (zyong1510[at]yahoo[dot]com) if interested.

We have an opening for a post doctoral associate to work on biomimetic fibrillar interfaces.  We are seeking a person with skills and interests in mechanical testing and microfabrication, and background in contact and fracture mechanics.  The work will be in the group of Anand Jagota at Lehigh University in collaboration with the group of Herbert Hui at Cornell University.   Please contact either Anand Jagota (anj6 [at] lehigh.edu) or Herbert Hui (ch45