ABSTRACT
This work considers up-to-date methods for studies into dynamic fracture processes using a scanning tunnel microscope and a specialized package of mathematical programs, as applied to investigation of scaling, scale-invariant properties of dissipative structures produced in exposing metals to ultrashort laser radiation pulses. As a result of the carried out studies, the hierarchy of structural levels for dissipative structures determining the process of dynamic fracture of metals over t < 10−6 s longevity range has been found. It has been shown that formation of dissipative structures is only possible if several structural levels are realized at the same time. Their fractal dimension is a quantitative characteristic of dissipative structures.
