Multi-body peridynamics for failure prediction in rotating thick composites

This study presents the integration of the nonlocal peridynamic theory with the well-established rigid multibody dynamics algorithms to predict material and structural failure modes simultaneously in flexible multibody dynamic systems. Although the existing structural dynamics analysis methods provide accurate dynamic simulation and deformation predictions, they lack the capability to predict material and structural failure initiation and failure modes simultaneously necessary to ensure durability and reliability. This analysis accounts for large elastic deformations coupled with dynamic motion loads without the need of post-processing for failure prediction. The accuracy of this approach is verified against the solutions already available in the literature. It specifically demonstrates damage initiation and growth in rotating composite blades.