LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT), commonly used in the numerical finite element method (FEM), is for the first time reformulated in nonlocal peridynamic theory, and a new peridynamics-based virtual crack closure technique (PD_VCCT) is proposed for the energy release rate calculation in the framework of peridynamics. The mode I, mode II, and their mixed mode fracture cases are considered. Two typical tests using the single edge-notched tension (SENT) and asymmetric double cantilever beams (ADCB) specimens are considered for implementation and verification, and the numerical energy release rates calculated by the present PD_VCCT are compared with those by the FEM-based VCCT. The close comparisons demonstrate that the proposed PD_VCCT can successfully predict the energy release rates for the cases of mode I, mode II and their mixed mode fracture and it can be used as a viable and effective tool for fracture analysis.