Numerical methods for estimating J integral in models with regular rectangular meshes

Cracks and delaminations are the common structural degradation mechanisms studied recently using numerous methods and techniques. Among them, numerical methods based on FEM analyses are in widespread commercial use. The scope of these methods has focused i.e. on energetic approach to linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) theory, encompassing such quantities as the J-integral and the energy release rate G. This approach enables to introduce damage criteria of analyzed structures without dealing with the details of the physical singularities occurring at the crack tip. In this paper, two numerical methods based on LEFM are used to analyze both isotropic and orthotropic specimens and the results are compared with well-known analytical solutions as well as (in some cases) VCCT results. These methods are optimized for industrial use with simple, rectangular meshes. The verification is made based on two dimensional mode partitioning.