# A minimal model for slow, sub-Rayleigh, super-shear and unsteady rupture propagation along homogeneously loaded frictional interfaces

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a minimal, two-parameter model for various rupture front types along frictional interfaces, revealing that diverse rupture behaviors are inherent to velocity-strengthening frictional systems.

## Contribution

The study presents a simple yet comprehensive model capturing multiple rupture front modes using only two key parameters, advancing understanding of frictional rupture dynamics.

## Key findings

- Model reproduces slow, sub-Rayleigh, super-shear, and unsteady rupture fronts.
- Diverse rupture behaviors are inherent to velocity-strengthening friction.
- Model highlights the role of prestress and viscosity in rupture dynamics.

## Abstract

In nature and experiments, a large variety of rupture speeds and front modes along frictional interfaces are observed. Here, we introduce a minimal model for the rupture of homogeneously loaded interfaces with velocity strengthening dynamic friction, containing only two dimensionless parameters; $\bar \tau$ which governs the prestress, and $\bar \alpha$ which is set by the dynamic viscosity. This model contains a large variety of front types, including slow fronts, sub-Rayleigh fronts, super-shear fronts, slip pulses, cracks, arresting fronts and fronts that alternate between arresting and propagating phases. Our results indicate that this wide range of front types is an inherent property of frictional systems with velocity strengthening branches.