Fracture and fragmentation of thin shells using the combined finite-discrete element method

A model for fracture and fragmentation of multilayered thin shells has been developed and implemented into the combined finite-discrete element code. The proposed model incorporates an extension of the original combined single and smeared fracture approach to multilayered thin shells; it then combines these with an interaction algorithm that is based on the original distributed potential contact force approach. The developed contact kinematics preserves both energy and momentum balance, whereas the developed fracture model is capable of modelling complex fracture patterns such as fracture of laminated glass under impact. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.