Thermal breakage of a discrete one-dimensional string

Abstract

We study the thermal breakage of a discrete one-dimensional string, with open and fixed ends, in the heavily damped regime. Basing our analysis on the multidimensional Kramers escape theory, we are able to make analytical predictions on the mean breakage rate, and on the breakage propensity with respect to the breakage location on the string. We then support our predictions with numerical simulations.