Dynamic fracture modeling by the three-body potential peridynamics frame element

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to place the three-body potential (TBP) peridynamics (PD) frame element within the micropolar PD framework and investigate its performance on modeling dynamic fracture problems. Design/methodology/approach The core is to develop the pairwise PD moment formulas (including PD force moment and PD couple moment) between two nodes based on the micropolar PD concept. Meanwhile, direct assembly of the finite element equations is employed to reduce memory consumption. By using time-domain finite element analysis, a time integrator for dynamic crack problems is derived. Findings The introduction of independent rotational degrees of freedom (DOFs) in the work eliminates the limitation of the bond shear form of TBP PD model in simulating fracture phenomena. A series of numerical examples demonstrate the reliability of the present method through comparisons with experimental and numerical data from the published literature. This indicates the method is applicable to dynamic fracture simulations. Originality/value The study verifies the physical admissibility of the TBP PD frame element via micropolar PD theory. Due to its independent rotational DOFs and compatibility with micropolar PD theory, the proposed method may be further utilized for investigations into the failure of materials with microstructures.