Peridynamic Model for a Mindlin Plate Resting on a Winkler Elastic Foundation

In this study, a peridynamic model is presented for a Mindlin plate resting on a Winkler elastic foundation. In order to achieve static and quasi-static loading conditions, direct solution of the peridynamic equations is utilised by directly assigning inertia terms to zero rather than using widely adapted adaptive dynamic relaxation approach. The formulation is verified by comparing against a finite element solution for transverse loading condition without considering damage and comparing against a previous study for pure bending of a Mindlin plate with a central crack made of polymethyl methacrylate material having negligibly small elastic foundation stiffness. Finally, the fracture behaviour of a pre-cracked Mindlin plate rested on a Winkler foundation subjected to transverse loading representing a floating ice floe interacting with sloping structures. Similar fracture patterns observed in field observations were successfully captured by peridynamics. © 2020, The Author(s).