Peridynamics simulations of geomaterial fragmentation by impulse loads

In this work, we have developed nonlinear peridynamics models of drained and saturated geomaterials, and applied them to simulations of dynamic fragmentation and ejecta formation due to impulse loads. First, we have re‐phrased and re‐interpreted the non‐local state‐based peridynamics formulation to connect the non‐local integral operator with the local differential operator. Second, we have implemented the Drucker–Prager plasticity model in state‐based peridynamics at finite strain. A peridynamics version of the Hughes and Winget algorithm is derived for the constitutive update. Third, we have developed a peridynamics U‐p formulation for saturated geomaterials. Fourth, numerical simulations have been carried out to verify the proposed peridynamics formulations in the simulation of geomaterial fragmentation induced by impulse loads. Comparisons of analytical and numerical results indicate that the peridynamics model has the ability to both match traditional continuum compression examples, as well as simulate complex geomaterial fragmentation processes resulting from impulse loads. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.