Since the crack generation and its propagation caused by welding defects is one of the main hull damage patterns, the simulation of crack propagation process has an important significance for ship safety. Based on interface element method, a finite element model to simulate crack propagation is studied in the paper. A Lennard-Jones type potential function is employed to define potential energy of the interface element. Tensile tests of steel flat plates with initial central crack are carried

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... . Surface energy density and spring critical stress that are suitable for the simulation of crack propagation are determined by comparing numerical calculation and tests results. Based on a large number of simulation results, the curve of simulation correction parameter plotted against the crack length is calculated.