A force-based blending model for atomistic-to-continuum coupling

Abstract

A method for coupling atomistic and continuum models across a subdomain, or bridge region, is presented. Coupling is effected through a force-based blending model. The method properly accounts for the the atomistic and continuum contributions to the force balance at points in the bridge region. Simple patch tests and computational experiments are used to study the method and its properties in one dimension. A discussion of implementation issues in higher dimensions is provided