Out-of-plane deformation analysis of plates using a coupled peridynamic-finite strip method

Peridynamics is a powerful tool for modelling crack propagation, but its high computational cost limits large-scale applications. To overcome this issue, coupling peridynamics with efficient classical approaches such as the finite strip method can significantly reduce the computational costs. In this study, peridynamics is coupled, for the first time, with the finite strip method to analyse the out-of-plane deformation of plates. Several static analyses are carried out, and the results are compared with those obtained from the finite element method (ABAQUS). In addition, the influence of key discretization parameters on the accuracy and efficiency is investigated. Finally, a case study is carried out to demonstrate the capability of the proposed model in simulating crack propagation.