BEM analysis of fracture problems in three-dimensional thermoelasticity using J-integral

This paper describes the formulation and numerical implementation of the J- integral applied to three-dimensional thermoelasticity using a boundary ele ment technique. The mixed-mode stress intensity factors has been evaluated through a decomposition technique. In this technique, the J-integral is spl it into J(I), J(II) and J(III), associated to the three basic modes of frac ture. The decomposition technique is compared to the crack opening displace ment technique. Good accuracy was obtained in the mixed-mode test examples. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.