On configurational forces in the context of the finite element method

The theory of con%gurational forces is brie7y recast, together with the underlying balance laws. It is shown, that in the case of a homogeneous body without body forces this additional balance laws areide ntically satis%ed if thestandard forcebalanceholds. In approximatesolutions, for example obtained by %nite elements, the equilibrium is not satis%ed exactly, thus con%gurational forces occur on discretization nodes. An implementation of the con%gurational force balance into the %nite element scheme is presented. The use of con%gurational forces is discussed with three main aspects. It is demonstrated how con%gurational forces can be used to check and to improve the %nite element solution. Examples from fracture mechanics and problems with material inhomogeneities are discussed