An investigation of the double torsion geometry using peridynamics

The Double Torsion (DT) technique is a powerful testing configuration that facilitates fracture investigations of highly brittle materials, as the stress intensity factor is independent of crack length. The DT technique, however, is yet to be standardized and several question remain regarding the validity of a crack length independent geometry. Examples of the DT technique can be found in (Ciccotti 2001, Tait 1987 and Becker 2011). One of the main reasons for limited use of the DT technique is that the specimen geometry is challenging to model computationally using traditional approaches such as cohesive elements, extended finite element method or analytically enriched finite elements.