ABSTRACT
Adhesion and adherence of solids are reviewed in the framework of fracture mechanics. The main concepts are recalled: surface energy, thermodynamic work of adhesion, energy release rate, stable and unstable equilibrium of cracks, controlled propagation, stress intensity factors, J integral, and Dugdale model. An example of application is given for the adherence of spheres (based on various models). Kinetics of crack propagation for viscoelastic solids is presented in terms of G(v) curves, tackiness, stickslip, and velocity jumps. Examples of additivity of various losses are given, which include viscous drag, bulk dissipation, extraction of chains, and the problems of threshold values and hysteresis are discussed. Finally, the case of metals (cold welding and high-temperature adherence) is examined.
