Two three-dimensional models of mechanical breakdown in disordered solids are investigated by large-scale Monte Carlo simulations. We show that the macroscopic properties of these models, such as the elastic moduli, the external force, and the fractal dimension of the macroscopic cracks, obey universal scaling laws that are independent of the microscopic details of the system. In addition, we show that the predictions of these models are in qualitative agreement with the available experimental data on a variety of materials, including concretes, ceramics, and glasses.

• Received 10 July 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.41.772