Dual analysis for path integrals and bounds for crack parameter (Q1282803)

A dual analysis for the path integrals is carried out theoretically and numerically. As a dual form of Rice's \(J\)-integral, we suggest an alternative path-independent \(I^*\)-integral which can be formulated as the complementary energy release rate for the linear/nonlinear elasticity fracture system with a blunting crack model. As an energy functional of the stress and displacement, \(I^*\) is equivalent to \(J\) in value since the effect of the stress distributions on the front of crack is included in the formulation. Dealing with bound estimation problems for crack parameters, we give the upper and lower bound theorems. A series of numerical results is offered to verify the points mentioned in the paper.