###### Abstract  
The primary focus of this paper is to investigate the application of ANSYS Workbench 19.2 software's advanced feature, known as Separating Morphing and Adaptive Remeshing Technology (SMART), in simulating the growth of cracks within structures that incorporate holes. Holes are strategically utilized as crack arrestors in engineering structures to prevent catastrophic failures. This technique redistributes stress concentrations and alters crack propagation paths, enhancing structural integrity and preventing crack propagation. This paper explores the concept of using holes as crack arrestors, highlighting their significance in increasing structural resilience and mitigating the risks associated with crack propagation. The crack growth path is estimated by applying the maximum circumferential stress criterion, while the calculation of the associated stress intensity factors is performed by applying the interaction integral technique. To analyze the impact of holes on the crack growth path and evaluate their effectiveness as crack arrestors, additional specimens with identical external dimensions but without any internal holes were tested. This comparison was conducted to provide a basis for assessing the role of holes in altering crack propagation behavior and their potential as effective crack arrestors. The results of this study demonstrated that the presence of a hole had a significant influence on the crack growth behavior. The crack was observed to be attracted towards the hole, leading to a deviation in its trajectory either towards the hole or deflecting around it. Conversely, in the absence of a hole, the crack propagated without any alteration in its path. To validate these findings, the computed crack growth paths and associated stress intensity factors were compared with experimental and numerical data available in the open literature. The remarkable consistency between the computational study results for crack growth path, stress intensity factors, and von Mises stress distribution, and the corresponding experimental and numerical data, is a testament to the accuracy and reliability of the computational simulations. s +
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
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utilized to evaluate the durability of components with pre-existing cracks, focusing on their ultimate load capacity and crack progression. However, the unpredictable nature of crack paths necessitates the use of appropriate computational methodologies that can accurately consider the instability mechanisms inherent in the computation. Over the years, advanced computational tools and numerical methods have played a pivotal role in simulating and analyzing crack growth behavior. In recent years, the finite element method (FEM) has become increasingly prominent as an effective numerical approach for modeling and analyzing the growth of cracks. This method involves dividing the structure into smaller elements and solving the governing equations, enabling a comprehensive investigation of stress distribution, deformation, and the behavior of crack propagation [7; 8; 9; 10]. In some cases, the geometry of the hole can be optimized to induce crack arrest. By designing the hole with specific dimensions, such as size, shape, and orientation, the crack can be forced to terminate, preventing further propagation. The hole acts as a barrier that prevents the crack from extending beyond a certain point, effectively arresting its growth and avoiding catastrophic failure. Holes are used as crack arrestors in various engineering structures.