We study via simulation how a lattice breaks if each bond is an elastic beam having longitudinal and flexural breaking thresholds randomly selected according to various probability distributions. We observe scaling of force, displacement, and number of broken beams in the controlled regime. The distribution of local forces just before breaking is characterized by a multifractal spectrum f(α).

• Received 7 June 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.39.637