  We introduce a model where an isotropic, dynamically-imposed stress induces
fracture in a thin film. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study how the
integrated fragment distribution function depends on the rate of change and
magnitude of the imposed stress, as well as on temperature. A mean-field
argument shows that the system becomes unstable for a critical value of the
stress. We find a striking invariance of the distribution of fragments for
fixed ratio of temperature and rate of change of the stress; the interval over
which this invariance holds is determined by the force fluctuations at the
critical value of the stress.
