A coupled peridynamic and finite strip method for analysis of in-plane behaviors of plates with discontinuities

In this article, peridynamic and finite strip sub-regions are coupled for the first time. Accordingly, in areas where non-local effects are important, the peridynamic theory is used, while in other areas, the finite strip method, which is an optimal method for solving plate problems, is applied. Static cases with and without crack are investigated using the coupling approach, and the results are compared with those available in the literature. A comprehensive parametric study is performed to investigate the effect of various parameters, such as grid size, the horizon value, the number of strips, and different term functions used in the finite strip. Finally, some examples involving non-uniform load conditions, plate with a hole and crack propagation are studied.