A node release approach to determine cohesive law parameters with constraint-based transferability

• We present a node release approach to calibrate the cohesive zone model . • We examine the mesh and constraint effects on the cohesive law parameters. • The proposed approach transfers the cohesive parameters among specimens based on Q stress. • We validate the accuracy of the proposed cohesive zone model through experimental studies. This paper proposes a node release approach to calibrate the cohesive zone model and transfers the cohesive parameters among specimens based on constraints. This study determines the traction-separation law through the node release analysis of fracture specimens, with the node releasing events aligned with crack extensions measured from the compliance. This study establishes the relationship between the cohesive fracture energy and the crack-tip constraints, which enables the transferability among specimens with different constraints. The experiments on welded cruciform joints confirm the proposed approach in assessing the fracture behavior of structural components using the constraint-modified cohesive parameters.