Dimension of the local-plasticity zone as a correlation length of the structure of polymers under inelastic deformation

The structural meaning of the dimension r^sub pl^ of the zone of local plastic deformation in polymers is determined. In simulating the polymer structure as a percolation cluster, the quantity r^sub pl^ is the correlation length of the structure of the polymer deformed until inelastic deformations appear. This rule holds for both amorphous glassy polymers and amorphous-crystalline polymers and for various types of the indicated zones (crazing or shear).[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]