Abstract
To find out an adequate failure criterion in two-dimensional linear elastic crack problems, finite element programs, SED, which determine stress intensity factors $K_I, K_{II}$, crack angle and peak load by the minimum strain energy density failure criterion were developed. In this program, the conventional quadratic isoparametric elements were used in all regions except the crack tip zone where triangular singular elements with 6 nodes were used. The results of SED were compared with the results of those which followed by the maximum circumferential tensile stress criteria and those by the maximum energy release rate criteria and those by Jenq and Shah`s experiments of the same geometry and material properties. The maximum energy release rate criteria were better close to those of the Jenq and Shah`s experiments than the maximum circumferential tensile stress criteria and the minimum strain energy density criteria.