Thermodynamics and statistical physics of damage processes in quasi-ductile solids

The objective of this work is to make a connection between macro-parameters and meso-cracks using the models of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. The effect of disordered meso-texture on the macro-stresses, -parameters, and -damage and failure is examined. Current macro-damage models can be used only when the specimen is statistically homogeneous, i.e. when the damage density is insignificant. In the present model the meso-scale changes of the disordered material are deduced using lattice simulations. Statistical physics concepts of scaling and universality are used for renormalization. All observable and measurable parameters of the model, on both scales, are identified. Bridging more than two scales is seamless using the renormalization group theory.