Statistical-thermodynamic approach to fracture

We present a statistical-thermodynamic theory that associates fracture of a solid with the approach of a spinodal upon increasing stress. This formulation is illustrated by a one-dimensional model, and the temperature dependence of the nonlinear stress-strain relation and fracture stress is obtained. A two-dimensional network model is treated by both effective-medium theory and Monte Carlo simulations, showing metastability and the nucleation of microcracks.