3-D crack propagation using 2-D dimensional finite element

Dear Friends,

I have developed a ser of 2-D finite elements for the problems of structural mechanics. These two dimensional elements are capable of accurately predicting three dimensional stress states using three diemnsional constitutive law. My doubt is: can these elements be used for the analysis of 3-D crack propagation using XFEM?. The displacements chosen for these elements are simple.



Subramanian