Shell-based Peridynamics for the Modelling of Isotropic and Composite Structures

Book excerpt: Unveiling improvements in the nonlocal theory of the Peridynamics, this book brings recent developments and new extensions to the standard Peridynamic method, making it capable of solving shell-like structures, while keeping its character of a strong formulation based on the interactions between pairs of material points, called “Peridynamic bonds”. The proposed formulation is a natural extension of the standard continuum Peridynamics, allowing thin structures to be modelled using only one layer of particles at the mid-surface of the structure, contrary to the standard continuum Peridynamics. The book navigates the mechanics formulation of the Peridynamic Timoshenko beam and Reissner-Mindlin plate and presents breakthrough strategies for shear-locking in thin structures. Enhanced methods are introduced for analysing fibre-reinforced composites, offering precision in predicting damage patterns in composite structures when subjected to low and moderate velocity impacts.