>>>Force(s) cause the failure, not energy - they are two different things.
>>
>>You are wrong, there can be no force without energy expended, they are inexorably entwinded. This is a common misconception of many.
>
>According to classical mechanics, Hilmar's explanation in his latest post is correct. As I understand it (being a mechanical engineer), this is the theory employed by engineers and scientists when dealing in the macro world.

Hilmar's is only reciting the current flawed model. As I understand things (being a Marine Engineer with over 35years experience encompassing most engineering disciplines) and having done a lot a research in these areas I was pointing out some of the errors in the current model.
>
>If you disagree with this, you are either:
>
>- talking about something other than classical mechanics/macroscopic phenomena (e.g. quantum phenomena), or
>- proposing a different theory
>
>Which one is it?

Both.

During my training back in the early 70's we had lengthy discussions with our lecturers on the cavitation phenomena and also reviewed a great deal of research this subject.
We all came to the conclusion that the observed phenomena was occurring at the subatomic level or quantum level, as the energy levels allowable under the current model could not go within 1% of explaining the observed damage.

This is OLD news.