In the framework of SOS models, the dynamics of isolated and pairs of surface steps of monoatomic height is studied, for step–edge diffusion and for evaporation kinetics, using Monte Carlo techniques. In particular, various interesting crossover phenomena are identified. Simulational results...

We consider creep processes in plastically deformed materials as a critical process such as proposed by Zaitsev (Physica A 189 (1992) 411). We give arguments that the low-temperature creep rate necessarily has two different modes. During the first (fast) stage of stress relaxation, dislocations...

We study the motion of a massive particle in a quenched random environment at zero temperature. The distribution of particle positions is investigated numerically and special focus is placed on the mean stopping distance and its fluctuations. We apply a scaling analysis in order to obtain...

We discuss the influence of spatially correlated noise on the wandering exponent of the crack-front line during slow in-plane crack propagation. For a uniform noise, the wandering exponent in the stastically stationary regime is .35±0.02, while the dynamic exponent is z=0.75±0.02. For...