Parallel programming of a peridynamics code coupled with finite element method

Using OpenMP (the Open Multi- Processing application programming interface), dynamic peridynamics code coupled with a finite element method is parallelized. The parallel implementation improves run-time efficiency and makes the realistic simulation of crack coalescence possible. To assess the accuracy and efficiency of the parallel code, we investigate its speedup and scalability. In addition, to validate the parallel code, experimental results for crack coalescence development sequences are compared. It is noted that this parallelized code markedly reduces computation time along with the coupling scheme. Moreover, the coupling approach used in this parallel code enables a more realistic and feasible numerical prediction of coalescing fractures. With the parallel implementation, two main types of crack coalescences between two flaws, formed by two short shear cracks and by a short central tensile segment and subsequent shear cracks are in detail discussed in terms of their development sequences. Consequently, this proposed coupled peridynamics code can be used to efficiently solve actual coalescence development sequences, thereby providing a numerical solution for fracture mechanics.