The application of the theory of reaction rates to the fracture of solids is reviewed. Four different models are compared and shown to exhibit three basic differences in formulation. The evidence appears to favor bond rupture, as opposed to bond slippage, as the basic mechanism leading to fracture of certain polymer systems. It is shown that other differences in the models cannot be resolved by a comparison with existing experimental data.

by ABSTRACT It is shown that reaction rate theory can be extended to predict dllatatlonal failure of certain heterogeneous materials subjected to stress imposed under conditions of constant stress or constant strain rate Materud constants determined under one condition are shown to be of general apphcab±ty.