Abstract
To obtain $A_2$ experimentally in the $J-A_2$ theory, deformation field on the lateral surface of a CT specimen was to be determined using Laser speckle method. The crack growth was measured using direct current potential drop method and most procedure of experimental and data reduction was performed according to ASTM Standard E1737-96. Laser speckle images during crack propagation were monitored by two CCD cameras to cancel the effect of rotation and translation of the specimen. An algorithm to pursue displacement of a point from each image was developed and successfully used to measure $A_2$ continuously as the crack tip was propagated. The effects of specimen thickness on J-R curve and $A_2$ were explored.