The simulation technique of materials’ failure has a great influence on the validity of the results. Based on the knowledge of materials’ failure criterion

two easily-overlooked issues in numerical simulation are put forward

which include elements’ erosion and inner contact after erosion during the numerical computation. With the background of cylindrical specimen’s failure test under compression loads and rock tunnel’s collapse test

the influence of the two issues on materials’ fracture are evaluated. Theoretical analysis and numerical computation indicate that

by defining constrained node set with failure and inner contact condition

the failure problem of materials and media can be properly simulated

such as the rock tunnel’s collapse

etc

the erosion algorithm for severe distorted elements has obvious imperfection.