The damage tolerance assessment of complex aerospace structural components requires the capability of effective modeling of 3D cracks and their associated propagation and velocity and path under fatigue loads. A 3D mixed mode crack propagation theory is presented which includes the effect of KI, KII, and KIII, as well as non-proportional loading, elastic and fracture resistance anisotropy, and fracture mode asymmetry (viz. the ability to transition between competing tensile and shear modes of propagation). A modified strain energy release rate criterion including the modeling of crack closure is developed and presented for a representative problem. An elementary, mode I characterization of closure is used, leaving shear mode closure as fertile ground for further study.Use of the model is presented for an example problem with steady–vibratory interaction.