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In this paper a collocation
approach is presented for spatial discretization of the partial integrodifferential
equation arising in a peridynamic formulation in stochastic fracture mechanics. In the
formulation nodes are distributed inside the domain forming a grid, and the
inverse multiquadric radial basis functions are used as interpolation functions
inside the domain. Due to this discretization the peridynamic stiffness is
generated in a manner similar to the finite element method. Further, any
discontinuity in the domain is included in this discretized form and affects
only the peridynamic stiffness of the adjacent nodes. Using this approach as
a tool, the probability density function of the energy release rate can be
determined at a given crack tip point for all possible crack paths. Thus,
the crack propagation direction can be probabilistically identified. This is
accomplished by numerical evaluation of the requisite Neumann expansion using
pertinent Monte Carlo simulations. Specific examples of applications are
included.