Abstract
The present study introduces the concept of structural intensity, which can be interpreted as power flux, into fracture mechanics. It is derived theoretically that the normal component of the structural intensity along crack edge equals
J-integral. SI is the power flux or vector representation of the J-integral at the crack tip. Using the finite element method, the structural intensity can be easily calculated. The numerically calculated structural intensity is adopted to visualize the
J-integral of a crack tip. Directional power flow path and magnitude at the crack tip is demonstrated schematically with the structural intensity, which facilitates convenient evaluation of the crack propagation status.