The post‐processing approach in the finite element method—Part 2: The calculation of stress intensity factors

Abstract In the context of a model problem we describe post‐processing techniques for the calculation of generalized stress intensity factors as well as displacements, stresses, etc., near corner points. We discuss two broad classes of methods, one involving an ‘influence’ function, and the other related to the well‐known energy release principle of fracture mechanics. An error analysis is sketched and two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the techniques.