Discontinuous mechanical problems studied with a peridynamics-based approach

The capability to predict damage and crack evolution by using adequate numerical techniques is becoming increasingly important, both for safety and economy reasons. Peridynamics is a recently proposed continuum theory based on a non local approach and formulated with integral equations. The theory is suitable for dealing with discontinuities in solid materials. A research code has been developed to solve static and dynamic problems adopting peridynamic-based algorithms for homogeneous and heterogeneous materials. The paper will demonstrate the potentialities of the Peridynamics theory by studying crack propagation phenomena mainly in 2D systems.