Dynamic crack propagation in plates weakened by inclined cracks: an investigation based on peridynamics

Peridynamics is a theory in solid mechanics that uses integral equations instead of partial differential equations as governing equations. It can be applied to fracture problems in contrast to the approach of fracture mechanics. In this paper by using peridynamics, the crack path for inclined crack under dynamic loading were investigated. The peridynamics solution for this problem represents the main features of dynamic crack propagation such as crack bifurcation. The problem is solved for various angles and different stress values. In addition, the influence of geometry on inclined crack growth is studied. The results are compared with molecular dynamic solutions that seem to show reasonable agreement in branching position and time.