Estimation of J-integral for a non-local particle model using atomistic finite element method and coupling between non-local particle and finite element methods

In this paper, at first, analytical formulation of J-integral for a non-local particle model (VCPM) using atomic scale finite element method is proposed for fracture analysis of 2D solids. A brief review of classical continuum-based J-integral and anon-local lattice particle method is given first. Following this, detailed derivation for the J-integral in discrete particle system is given using the energy equivalence and stress-tensor mapping between the continuum mechanics and lattice-particle system.With the help of atomistic finite element method, the J-integral is expressed as a summation of the corresponding terms in the particle system.

Secondly, a coupling algorithm between a non-local particle method (VCPM) and the classical finite element method (FEM) is discussed to gain the advantages of both methods for fracture analysis in large structures. In this algorithm, the discrete VCPM particle and the continuum FEM domains are solved within a unified theoretical framework. A transitional element technology is developed to smoothly link the 10-particles element with the traditional FEM elements to guaranty the continuity and consistency at the coupling interface. An explicit algorithm for static simulation is developed.

Finally, numerical examples are illustrated for the accuracy, convergence, and path-independence of the derived J-integral formulation. Discussions on the comparison with alternative estimation methods and potential application for fracture simulation are given. The accuracy and efficiency of the coupling algorithm are tested by several benchmark problems such as static crack simulation.