Quasi-static fracture analysis by coupled three-dimensional peridynamics and high order one-dimensional finite elements based on local elasticity

This work investigates quasi-static crack propagation in specimens made of brittle materials by combining local and non-local elasticity models. The portion of the domain where the failure initiates and then propagates is modeled via three-dimensional bond-based peridynamics (PD). On the other hand, the remaining regions of the structure are analyzed with high order one-dimensional finite elements based on the Carrera unified formulation (CUF). The coupling between the two zones is realized by using Lagrange multipliers. Static solutions of different fracture problems are provided by a sequential linear analysis. The proposed approach is demonstrated to combine the advantages of the CUF-based classical continuum mechanics models and PD by providing, in an efficient manner, both the failure load and the shape of the crack pattern, even for three-dimensional problems.