Need to predict the crack propagation phenomenon in a CI component. Suggestions are needed regarding the the methods ( XFEM, J integral, etc.,) which will predict the crack propagation behavior (using finite element analysis) in an accurate manner.
XFEM is probably the best place to start. There are always limitations to the methods you choose, and a trade-off with the computational cost. But XFEM has been developed for a long time now and should give at least a first-order solution to get you started
If the geometry is complex and the fracture path is completely unknown I'd use an smeared approach using damage/plasticity constitutive laws. I think that this is the most polivalent approach. The accuracy of this methodology could be increased by using an accuracy enhanced FE formulation (mixed).
Additionally one can consider a mixed FE-discrete approach (see Preprint Combination of an adaptive remeshing technique with a couple...