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The existing theories for the prediction of the crack path are based on theperturbation method combining the analytical and finite elements methods. Theyrequire knowledge of the toughness equations. A different approach is used in thepresent work. The finite element technique is used to calculate the strain energy densitycontours. The predicted trajectory of the crack during unstable propagation, undersmall scale yielding, is assumed to coincide with the curve that passes the points withthe maximum gradient of strain energy density (SED). The degree of crack path stabilitydepends on the sharpness of the SED oscillations. This simple method offers a reliableprediction of the crack path stability for two as well as three-dimensional problems withcomplex geometry structures and arbitrary loadings. This method was applied in theDCDC specimen with hole set off from its centre line.nnakiSchool of EngineeringDemocritus University of ThraceGR 671 00, Xanthi, Greecedzachar@civil.duth.gr, faidra_kgr@yahoo.comABSTRACT. The existing theories for the prediction of the crack path are based on theperturbation method combining the analytical and finite elements methods. Theyrequire knowledge of the toughness equations. A different approach is used in thepresent work. The finite element technique is used to calculate the strain energy densitycontours. The predicted trajectory of the crack during unstable propagation, undersmall scale yielding, is assumed to coincide with the curve that passes the points withthe maximum gradient of strain energy density (SED). The degree of crack path stabilitydepends on the sharpness of the SED oscillations. This simple method offers a reliableprediction of the crack path stability for two as well as three-dimensional problems withcomplex geometry structures and arbitrary loadings. This method was applied in theDCDC specimen with hole set off from its centre line.