strain energy release rate

Strain energy release rate is a measure of how much energy is released when a crack in a material grows or extends. Imagine bending a paperclip until it starts to crack; the energy stored in the material causes the crack to propagate once a certain point is reached. This rate helps engineers understand how likely a crack is to grow under stress, indicating the material's resistance to fracture. In essence, it quantifies the energy needed for a crack to advance, assisting in assessing the durability and safety of structures and materials.