A simple model for an interface moving in a disordered medium is presented. The model exhibits a transition between the two universality classes of interface growth in the presence of quenched disorder. Using this model, it is shown that the application of constraints to the local slopes of the interface produces avalanches of growth that become relevant in the vicinity of the depinning transition. The study of these avalanches reveals a singular behavior at the depinning transition that explains a recently oberved divergency in the equation of the interface. The anisotropy in the medium is also studied as a possible source of motion of the divergency in the equation of motion.

• Received 4 April 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.52.4080