Coupling of peridynamics with finite elements for brittle crack propagation problems

In this work, a new coupling model of finite element method (FEM) and ordinary state-based peridynamics (OSBPD) is proposed to accurately predict brittle fracture under quasi-static and dynamic loading. PD grids are directly coupled with FEM meshes without an overlapped zone. The transferred forces between PD grids and FEM meshes are reciprocal and balanced inherently, which avoids the complexity of the transitional zone-based coupling models and the non-equilibrium phenomenon of the structural force reported in the sharing nodes-based coupling model. More importantly, the proposed coupling model is free of significant influence of ghost forces and significant wave reflection at the coupling interface. Also, the surface effect of PD can be approximately removed. The accuracy of the proposed coupling model is verified through comparing with the FEM results and pure OSBPD results.