Under extreme conditions the mechanical or electrical properties of solids tend to destabilize, leading to failure or breakdown. These instabilities often nucle

In this book, the authors bring together basic ideas from fracture mechanics and statistical physics, classical theories, simulation and experimental results to

Investigation of the fractal and scaling properties of disordered systems has recently become a focus of great interest in research. Disordered or amorphous mat

This book addresses the application of methods used in statistical physics to complex systems—from simple phenomenological analogies to more complex aspects,

Since the beginning of the century the technological desire to master the fracture of metals, concrete or polymers has boosted research and has left behind an o