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 …