The numerical analysis of structural and mechanical problems by the finite element method requires, by the analyst, some knowledge and experience on mesh refinement. Mesh generation is a difficult task, especially when the model contains cracks. As the crack propagates in the discret model, the geometry of the model changes and the mesh must be updated. This work presents an interactive graphics system for modeling fracture processes of two-dimensional structures. This system may consider any number of cracks that can be inserted in the model at any position, with automatic and adaptive finite element mesh generation. The system can be used for linear and elastic-plastic mechanical problems, with and without cracks. The self-adaptive process is based on an h-type refinement, with an a posteriori error estimation. Three types of error estimators are available. The first, which is based on the energy norm, is used for elastic- linear analysis. The second and the third, which are based on effective stress and on ratio of plastic work, respectively, are used for elastic-plastic analysis. Mesh generation is based on spatial decomposition techniques, which consists on a binary tree partition of boundary curves, including crack curves, and on a quadtree partition for the domain refinement. The system incorporates the following components: a geometric modeler to create the model geometry, a pre- processor that generates the initial mesh and applies model attributes, a numerical analysis module that evaluates the finite element response, and a module, called the adaptive module, that manages the adaptive process of mesh generation. The latter module also incorporates post-processing features that assist in the visualization of analysis results, including fracture parameters. In the non- linear adaptive process for incremental plasticity analysis, it is used a technique for interpolating analysis variables across distinct meshes. The von Mises yielding criterion, with isotropic hardening, is used. Some examples are presented to evaluate the methods for computing fracture analysis parameters and the performance of the adaptive process.