The effects of rapidly applied load on the J-integral and stress inten
sity factor (K) of a cracked solid have been investigated here. The va
riation of J has been studied using an energy balance approach, wherea
s that of K has been dealt with elastodynamic considerations together
with several simplifying assumptions and approximations. A constitutiv
e model that is dependent on J and K formulated in this fashion, shoul
d exhibit the influence of loading rates.