Peridynamics for multiscale materials modeling

The paper presents an overview of peridynamics, a continuum theory that employs a nonlocal model of force interaction. Specifically, the stress/strain relationship of classical elasticity is replaced by an integral operator that sums internal forces separated by a finite distance. This integral operator is not a function of the deformation gradient, allowing for a more general notion of deformation than in classical elasticity that is well aligned with the kinematic assumptions of molecular dynamics. Peridynamics effectiveness has been demonstrated in several applications, including fracture and failure of composites, nanofiber networks, and polycrystal fracture. These suggest that peridynamics is a viable multiscale material model for length scales ranging from molecular dynamics to those of classical elasticity.