Rate spectra of small deformations in solids

The method of constructing the temperature dependence for the rate of small creep deformation (strain-rate spectra) is applied to determine relaxation transitions in solids. This method is based on precision measurements of t he rate using a laser interferometer and is distinguished by its high resol ution. The possibility of using the spectra for predicting critical tempera tures in the fracture kinetics of polymers and metals, as well as changes i n the electrical properties (for example, the superconducting transition in Y-Ba-Cu-O ceramics) is pointed out. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics . [S1063-7834(99)02205-4].