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This paper presents a description of a 3D adaptive combined DE/FE algorithm which can automatically convert the distorted finite elements into the spherical discrete elements during simulating the impact fracture of laminated glass. In this method a system is completely discretized into the finite elements at the initial moment without any discrete element existing until part of the finite elements becoming severely deformed. Subsequently each finite element, whose maximum tensile stress exceeds a user-specified conversion criterion, is converted into eight spherical discrete elements. At the same time the system is fragmented into two subdomains, the finite element (FE) and the discrete element (DE) subdomains. The impact fracture of a glass beam is simulated by the adaptive algorithm and the discrete element method, respectively. A satisfactory agreement of the simulation results is observed which validates the feasibility of such an adaptive algorithm; however, the computational efficiency of the adaptive algorithm is much higher than that of latter.

Combined algorithm, Brittle fracture, Cohesive model, Discrete element method, Laminated glass