  In this paper, a peridynamics-based finite element method (Peri-FEM) is
proposed for the quasi-static fracture analysis, which is of the consistent
computational framework with the classical finite element method (FEM). First,
the integral domain of the peridynamics is reconstructed, and a new type of
element called peridynamic element (PE) is defined. Although PEs are generated
by the continuous elements (CEs) of classical FEM, they do not affect each
other. Then the spatial discretization is performed based on PEs and CEs, and
the linear equations about the nodal displacement are established according to
the principle of minimum potential energy. Besides, the cracks are
characterized as the degradation of the mechanical properties of PEs. Finally,
the validity of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical examples.
