A finite element fracture mechanics technique is applied for simulating the elevated temperature creep rupture behavior of initially defected austenitic stainless steel fuel element cladding. The basic analytical approach consists of determining total instantaneous strain energy release rates G T , and the corresponding values of the stress intensity factor K T from sequential linear elastic finite element solutions and relating these to either an effective creep fracture toughness parameter G ec (or K ec) or to creep crack growth rates da dt , obtained from test results. An initial application of this approach has been made to simulate the creep rupture behavior of initially defected type 316 austenitic stainless steel fuel element cladding in the 20% cold worked condition, tested at 650°C. This application has provided a relationship in the simple familiar form: σ = {K ec ( a h , t r , q)} {π 1 2 a 1 2 F( a h )} , where σ is the nominal loop stress, a is the initial depth of a longitudinal crack, h is the cladding thickness, t r is the time to rupture, and q is a structure sensitive parameter which accounts for the influence of the environment. F( a h ) is a function, obtained from finite element solutions, which accounts for the geometric differences between the present structure and the classical Griffith plate. The function K ec ( a h , t r , q ) is obtained from creep rupture tests of cladding with varying initial flaw depths and times to rupture under corrosive as well as inert environments. Performing time-dependent analyses, a preliminary relationship is obtained between the instantaneous values G T and K T , and crack growth rates under corrosive and non-corrosive environments. The analytical predictions of critical combinations of cladding flaw configurations, stresses, times to rupture and crack growth rates are in good agreement with the limited test data available for comparison. Current applications are aimed at the long-term cyclic creep fracture behavior of fast reactor fuel elements, using a nonlinear finite element code. In addition, multiple intergranular fracture configurations are being investigated.