Stress intensity factors are viewed as specializations of a family of drivers of crack propagation, defined on three-dimensional stress fields, to two-dimensional stress fields. The question of which driver is best suited for the prediction of crack propagation in three dimensions will have to be decided on the basis of evidence developed through the application of a model development process. The procedure for rational choice of a predictor of crack propagation in metals, caused by cyclic loading, is addressed.
EXTENDED ABSTRACT