2002/04/02 by Efim A. Brener, Robert Spatschek
Chemistry · Engineering · Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Adhesion, Friction, and Surface Interactions #Chemistry #Classical mechanics #Computer science #Cusp (singularity) #Diffusion #Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications #Geometry #Instability #Materials science #Mathematics #Mechanics #Numerical methods in engineering #Optics #Physics #RADIUS #Rayleigh scattering #Singularity #Surface diffusion #Thermodynamics #cond-mat.mtrl-sci
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physreve.67.016112
arxiv created 2002/04/02 · openalex publication_date 2003/01/28 · arxiv updated 2009/11/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
We present a continuum theory which describes the fast growth of a crack by surface diffusion. This mechanism overcomes the usual cusp singularity by a self-consistent selection of the crack tip radius. It predicts the saturation of the steady state crack velocity appreciably below the Rayleigh speed and tip blunting. Furthermore, it includes the possibility of a tip splitting instability for high applied tensions.