This work investigates quasi-static crack propagation in specimens made of brittle materials by combining local and non-local elasticity models. The portion of the domain where the failure initiates and then propagates is modeled via three-dimensional bond-based peridynamics (PD). On the other hand, the remaining regions of the structure are analyzed with high order one-dimensional finite elements based on the Carrera unified formulation (CUF). The coupling between the two zones is realized by using Lagrange multipliers. Static solutions of different fracture problems are provided by a sequential linear analysis. The proposed approach is demonstrated to combine the advantages of the CUF-based classical continuum mechanics models and PD by providing, in an efficient manner, both the failure load and the shape of the crack pattern, even for three-dimensional problems.

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Peridynamics (PD) is a nonlocal continuum theory capable of handling fracture mechanisms with ease. However, its use involves high computational costs. On the other hand, Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) allows one to use one‐dimensional high‐order finite elements, resulting in excellent accuracy while improving computational efficiency. To address the high computational cost of solving fracture problems, a coupling technique between these two theories is necessary. Various approaches have been proposed to couple peridynamic grids with finite element meshes in the literature. However, most of these approaches are affected by arbitrary choices of blending functions and tuning parameters or exhibit spurious effects at the interfaces. To overcome these issues, we propose a simple coupling technique based on overlapping PD/CUF regions and continuity of the displacement field at the interfaces. This approach is verified through static analysis of classical beams and thin‐walled structures with applications in the aerospace industry.

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