The pre-processing for analysis of a cracked structure is significantly faster with Zencrack compared to generating a cracked model in a graphical pre-processor. This is because Zencrack requires only an uncracked mesh rather than a detailed cracked model. Preparation for a Zencrack analysis requires completion of two steps:

• Generation of an uncracked mesh.
• Creation of a Zencrack input file.

The uncracked mesh should be a valid mesh for the intact component. Further information on the uncracked mesh and the way that Zencrack produces the cracked mesh from it is contained in the section on meshing procedure.

The Zencrack input file contains the ancilliary information to convert the uncracked mesh to a cracked mesh and carry out the analysis. For a crack growth analysis, for example, the input file includes the load history and the crack growth data.

Pre-processing in the Zencrack GUI is the recommended way to create and maintain a Zencrack input file. It allows the uncracked mesh to be imported and, if necessary, extraction of data from the uncracked mesh by picking elements and nodes. A short video is available giving an example of the use of the GUI to define a complete Zencrack input file and to submit an analysis. This video creates input for the crack-block method in version 8.0-1 of the GUI.