Use of the calculation of integral J

The method of finite elements applied to the analysis of stresses and strains is of major interest in fracture mechanics. In particular, calculation of the integral J or similar integrals by these methods leads to useful applications. Two types of application are presented here, one for the rapid, relatively low cost determination of Ksub(I) in linear elastic fracture mechanics, and the second for the examination of certain conditions of validity of initiation criteria based on J for an elastic plastic material. These applications are illustrated for a number of calculation results obtained by means of the CEASEMT system developed at Saclay