37 research outputs found
New model for surface fracture induced by dynamical stress
We introduce a model where an isotropic, dynamically-imposed stress induces
fracture in a thin film. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study how the
integrated fragment distribution function depends on the rate of change and
magnitude of the imposed stress, as well as on temperature. A mean-field
argument shows that the system becomes unstable for a critical value of the
stress. We find a striking invariance of the distribution of fragments for
fixed ratio of temperature and rate of change of the stress; the interval over
which this invariance holds is determined by the force fluctuations at the
critical value of the stress.Comment: Revtex, 4 pages, 4 figures available upon reques
Pinning of a solid--liquid--vapour interface by stripes of obstacles
We use a macroscopic Hamiltonian approach to study the pinning of a
solid--liquid--vapour contact line on an array of equidistant stripes of
obstacles perpendicular to the liquid. We propose an estimate of the density of
pinning stripes for which collective pinning of the contact line happens. This
estimate is shown to be in good agreement with Langevin equation simulation of
the macroscopic Hamiltonian. Finally we introduce a 2--dimensional mean field
theory which for small strength of the pinning stripes and for small capillary
length gives an excellent description of the averaged height of the contact
line.Comment: Plain tex, 12 pages, 3 figures available upon reques
Tri-critical behavior in rupture induced by disorder
We discover a qualitatively new behavior for systems where the load transfer
has limiting stress amplification as in real fiber composites. We find that the
disorder is a relevant field leading to tri--criticality, separating a
first-order regime where rupture occurs without significant precursors from a
second-order regime where the macroscopic elastic coefficient exhibit power law
behavior. Our results are based on analytical analysis of fiber bundle models
and numerical simulations of a two-dimensional tensorial spring-block system in
which stick-slip motion and fracture compete.Comment: Revtex, 10 pages, 4 figures available upon reques