  Within this work, we present a novel approach to fracture simulations based
on shape optimization techniques. Contrary to widely-used phase-field
approaches in literature the proposed method does not require a specified
'length-scale' parameter defining the diffused interface region of the
phase-field. We provide the formulation and discuss the used solution approach.
We conclude with some numerical comparisons with well-established single-edge
notch tension and shear tests.
