Fracturing Described by a Spring-Block Model

A spring-block model containing only one parameter, the ratio between the threshold for block slips and the threshold for springs to break, is introduced to study general features of the statics and dynamics of fracturing. We find that a domain growth of positive and negative components of the stress field before cracking sets in is crucial for the pattern formations of the cracks. The domain growth obeys an algebraic growth law. The total number of cracks and the size distribution for crack events have been calculated as a function of the ratio between the threshold for spring breaking and the threshold for block slips, and as a function of time.