Abstract: The effect of specimen thinkness on JR resistance curve has been investigated using low and middle strength steels. As the J dominance regime is reached, the initial J-integral values, J(i), are definite even if the elastic component Ji(e) and plastic component Ji(p)vary with the thinkness of specimen. The wider the specimen width, the larger the Ji(e)/Ji and the smaller the Ji(p)/Ji. The crack propagation resistance, dJR/da and dJp/da, decreases, while dJe/da increases linearly with increasing specimen thinness.Based on the above experimental results, an empirical formula dJ/da = α+β. B is given, which can be used to evaluate the safety of practical structural components.A modified J-integral is presented, upon which a new view is Put forward that the increase in crack growth resistance is induced mainly by the increase in the plastic J-integral component with the crack propagation,

Key words: fracture mechanics, J-R curve, modified J, elastic-plastic fracture